Trumps latest AI announcements: Tech Corps, data center costs, modern warfare
Source: Mashable Tech
Overview
It’s been less than a year since the Trump administration announced its sprawling AI action plan, and the government continues to push for America to be the global leader in AI.
While American opinion on AI remains mixed (Pew Research), adoption of AI tools has grown domestically (NBC News). U.S.–based AI companies are taking products to market at breakneck speeds. According to a 2025 Stanford report, the United States is building more top AI models than any other country.
With this as proof that the plan is working, federal leaders are charging ahead with new infrastructure plans and AI executive orders—from beefing up AI stack workers to coordinating military deployment. Below is a snapshot of what has happened over the last month:
Recent Developments (Last 30 Days)
- [Event 1] – brief description.
- [Event 2] – brief description.
- [Event 3] – brief description.
Ratepayer Protection Pledge
On March 5, President Trump unveiled the Ratepayer Protection Pledge – a voluntary, non‑binding commitment by the tech industry to shoulder all energy costs associated with AI projects. The pledge was signed by Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Amazon Web Services, Oracle, and xAI after months of Trump urging tech firms to “pay their own way” toward a larger national AI infrastructure.
What the pledge entails
- New power stations – signatories agree to build new generation capacity rather than rely on existing grids.
- Grid upgrades – companies will cover the cost of modernising local energy systems.
- Separate rate structures – where possible, firms will negotiate distinct utility rates with local providers.
Context
- The pledge was announced amid growing complaints that data centers were shifting electricity costs onto nearby residents.
- At a White House roundtable on March 4, Trump said Big Tech needed “PR help,” noting that “people think that if a data center goes in, their electricity prices are going to go up, and that’s not happening.”
Criticisms
- Environmental impact – the agreement does not address limiting the climate effects of data centers.
- Long‑term savings – energy experts warn that any reduction in community electricity bills could take years to materialise, and only if companies honour their promises.
Tech Corps
On February 22, the administration quietly launched Tech Corps, an offshoot of the Peace Corps that will send technically skilled Americans abroad to promote U.S. AI technology.
Key details
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Proven tech skills; no specific degree required |
| Assignment | Projects in participating countries of the American AI Exports Program (list of countries pending) |
| Mission | “Help countries around the world harness American artificial intelligence to enhance opportunity and prosperity for their citizens.” |
| Typical activities | • Partner with schools to accelerate AI adoption • Co‑develop AI models with national offices • Offer virtual projects in collaboration with U.S. tech firms |
| Placement length | 12–27 months; on‑ground deployments start this fall |
| Benefits | Covered housing, healthcare, and a living stipend |
The program will leverage existing Peace Corps infrastructure to “turbocharge” its goal of promoting world peace and friendship through technology.
Not to be confused with Tech Force
- Tech Force is a separate two‑year training and fellowship program aimed at hiring roughly 1,000 AI specialists for federal agencies.
- Fellows receive salaries ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 (no degree required).
Sources
- White House announcement of the Ratepayer Protection Pledge
- Trump’s remarks on Big Tech and electricity costs – Yahoo Finance
- Public concerns about data‑center impacts – CNN
- Environmental critique – Inside Climate News
- Tech Corps launch – Peace Corps Tech Corps page & CNBC report
- Tech Force salary details – Fortune
AI‑Enabled Department of War
The biggest headline of Trump’s recent tech agenda is an escalating feud between the administration’s Department of War and several of the country’s leading AI companies. Amid a new war with Iran, the government hopes to use modern technology to boost its warfare capacity.
Federal AI Contracts
As part of the administration’s effort to modernize federal offices and integrate AI across departments, the following AI developers have secured multimillion‑dollar contracts to deploy their services throughout the federal government and work directly with agencies:
- OpenAI
- Perplexity – Fast Company article
- Anthropic
The Anthropic Deal Collapse
- Deal: A $200 million contract with Anthropic for the use of its Claude model by the U.S. military.
- Outcome: The deal fell through after Anthropic refused to allow its models to be used for potential mass domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons under the Department of War.
- Trump’s Response:
- Ordered an immediate termination of Claude’s use by government agencies.
- Declared Anthropic a “supply‑chain risk” to national security – Mashable report.
- Rumors later suggested negotiations had been reopened – Mashable follow‑up.
OpenAI Steps In
- New Agreement: OpenAI took over the contract after Anthropic’s exit – Mashable article.
- CEO Statement: Sam Altman admitted the agreement to use OpenAI’s model was rushed. In a lengthy X post he wrote:
“I think we are heading towards a world where the relationship between governments and AI efforts is critical. This will be difficult but it has to happen; I do not see any good future where we don’t get there.” – Altman’s X post