Trump pledges friendly yet firm US competition with China in AI, energy

President Donald Trump on Tuesday emphasised the United States’ commitment to maintaining its lead over China in artificial intelligence (AI) and energy development — pledging to “fight them in a very friendly fashion” while touting a “true golden age for America.”

Speaking at the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit held at Carnegie Mellon University, Trump highlighted recent investments exceeding $90 billion aimed at boosting the state’s role as a hub for robotics, AI, and energy innovation, Caliber.Az reports.

The summit, led by Republican Senator David McCormick and attended by dozens of corporate leaders, underscored Pennsylvania’s strategic importance as a key battleground in the global race for technological supremacy.

“We are way ahead of China, I have to say,” Trump declared during an hourlong roundtable discussion. “China and other countries are racing to catch up to America on AI, and we’re not going to let them do it.”

While underscoring the competitive spirit between the world’s two largest economies, Trump framed the rivalry in conciliatory terms: “We will be fighting them in a very friendly fashion.” The president’s remarks were delivered alongside senior Cabinet members, local officials, and industry executives, emphasising a united front in advancing U.S. interests.

Trump also reaffirmed his administration’s focus on achieving “energy dominance” globally, pointing to Pennsylvania’s robust coal and gas sectors as vital to that agenda. “I think we have a true golden age for America. And we’ve been showing it, and it truly is the hottest country anywhere in the world,” he said.

The investments announced at the summit are projected to create tens of thousands of jobs, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s role as a pivotal state both politically and economically. Trump, who carried Pennsylvania in both his 2016 and 2024 presidential victories, made clear that the state’s industrial and technological growth would be a centrepiece of his administration’s broader strategy to outpace China.

“I’m honored to be in Pennsylvania, and I’m honored to be in Pittsburgh. And you’re going to see some real action here. So get ready,” he said.

By Vugar Khalilov