Trump gets pressed on AI after once saying he did not trust a computer to drive him around

Trump faces an AI accountability question

President Donald Trump faced an AI accountability question after a September 29 White House meeting. A reporter asked who should be accountable if an AI agent committed a crime such as hacking.

Trump responded, “It’s not AI, it’s SI.” He discussed his administration’s “Super Intelligence” terminology rather than directly answering the accountability question.

Trump had previously expressed concerns about computers controlling cars. His administration now supports the development of automated vehicles.

AI companies sign a voluntary accord

Trump’s response followed a White House meeting with technology executives. Six AI companies signed a voluntary safety accord. Trump described the agreement as “morally binding.”

The accord calls for internal controls, independent assessments, and board-level oversight. Google, Anthropic, Meta, OpenAI, xAI, and Nvidia participated. Vehicle automation follows a different system. NHTSA regulates automated vehicle safety under existing federal law.

Trump had questioned computer driving

Axios reported on March 17, 2019, that Trump had privately expressed skepticism about driverless vehicles. The report described a conversation from summer 2017.

At Trump’s Bedminster golf club, a member discussed a new Tesla and automated vehicle technology. Trump reportedly said, “I don’t trust some computer to drive me around.”

Trump also reportedly said he would never enter a self-driving car. The comments reflected his reported personal skepticism toward computer-controlled driving.

Tesla still requires driver supervision

Trump’s reported conversation involved a Tesla. Tesla now calls its system Full Self-Driving (Supervised). The company requires active driver supervision while it is operating. Tesla states that these features do not make its vehicles autonomous.

NHTSA classifies Level 2 technology as driver assistance. The driver remains responsible at Level 2. NHTSA says Level 3 through Level 5 technologies are not available on today’s vehicles for consumer purchase.

Federal policy moves toward AV deployment

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled NHTSA’s Automated Vehicle Framework on April 24, 2025. The policy addressed the development and deployment of automated vehicles.

The framework prioritizes safety on public roads. It also seeks fewer unnecessary regulatory barriers and supports commercial deployment. Duffy linked the policy to competition with China. He said the administration wanted a national framework for automated vehicles.

Federal exemptions cover unusual AVs

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a streamlined Part 555 exemption process on June 13, 2025. It applies to qualifying vehicles that do not meet every federal safety standard.

The pathway can cover vehicles without traditional steering wheels or driver-operated brakes.

Manufacturers must demonstrate an equivalent level of safety. Manufacturers can sell up to 2,500 qualifying vehicles per year through this exemption process.

Zoox gets a demonstration exemption

NHTSA announced the first demonstration exemption for American-built automated vehicles under its expanded Automated Vehicle Exemption Program on August 6, 2025.

The exemption covered Zoox driverless vehicles. NHTSA said all Zoox purpose-built vehicles operating on public roads in the United States were covered by the exemption. Zoox’s purpose-built robotaxi has no steering wheel or driver’s seat. The exemption permitted demonstrations of its American-built vehicles.

Zoox moves toward commercial service

NHTSA granted Zoox another exemption on July 30, 2026. It allows commercial deployment of up to 2,500 robotaxis annually for two years. NHTSA placed the exemption under an adaptable oversight structure.

The agency also announced work on federal standards addressing automated vehicle competency. NHTSA separately moved to streamline testing exemptions for automated vehicle developers.

A national AV strategy follows

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled the national Automated Vehicles Strategy on September 3, 2026. It covers federal work planned or underway through fiscal year 2030.

The strategy calls for safety standards addressing automated vehicle competency. It also seeks greater regulatory certainty and the ability to operate commercially across state lines.

NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the strategy would provide “strict safety oversight” for automated vehicle deployment.

Zoox changes the passenger experience

NHTSA classifies automated driving systems as SAE Levels 3 through 5. Level 2 remains classified as driver assistance. Zoox developed its robotaxi specifically for autonomous mobility.

The vehicle uses four carriage-style seats and has no steering wheel. Occupants ride as passengers rather than supervising a driver-assistance system via conventional driving controls.

Crash reporting keeps federal oversight

NHTSA requires identified manufacturers and operators to report qualifying crashes involving automated driving systems or Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems. The third amended Standing General Order took effect on June 16, 2025.

It reduced reporting burdens while retaining safety information. NHTSA uses qualifying crash reports to identify potential vehicle safety problems and support safety evaluations.

AI and vehicles use different oversight

Six AI companies voluntarily committed to safeguards, independent assessments, and board-level oversight under the White House accord. Automated vehicles operate under federal motor vehicle law.

Manufacturers seeking certain exemptions must meet statutory requirements and applicable safety conditions. Specified automated driving system crashes are also subject to NHTSA reporting requirements.

How voice AI assistants could turn car dashboards into future revenue platforms shows how software-based vehicle technology is creating new business models alongside evolving federal safety rules.

Federal AV plans extend to freight

The federal automated vehicle strategy extends beyond passenger robotaxis. DOT says the plan also supports commercial freight applications. The strategy seeks interoperable corridors across state lines.

DOT plans to bring together national stakeholders on interstate automated vehicle operations. Automated trucks are therefore included in the federal government’s broader AV strategy.

Auto groups push back on Chinese cars entering America before Trump-Xi talks, highlighting how federal vehicle policy is also being shaped by concerns over Chinese automakers and technology.

Would you trust AI to drive you if even political leaders have raised doubts about it? Share your views in the comments

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.