Donald Trump’s $500 Billion AI Bill: “The UK needs to put its money where its mouth is on AI – or risk being left behind”

THE UK needs to quickly step up and follow Donald Trump’s lead on AI investment, according to a top British expert.
Trump has wasted no time in putting robotics at the heart of his roadmap for change state-side by unveiling a $500 billion bill which is set to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) development across the United States.
The legislation, dubbed the “American AI Ascend Act,” is expected to have profound implications, not only for the US economy but also for global markets, particularly the UK.
Commenting, Jack Hayes, director and co-founder of AI Speakers Agency said: “The ripple effect of this legislation will be felt across the Atlantic. Trump’s bill is a revolutionary step towards ensuring the US’s global leadership in AI. However, the UK is now in danger of being left behind as the US announces this major investment.
Trump’s move comes just days after the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, announced a plan to “make the nation a world leader in artificial intelligence (AI), harnessing the technology to drive growth, improve medical care and reduce administration in the public sector.” Hayes said: “Keir Starmer’s previous announcement now looks weak in comparison to Trump’s massive investment into AI tech.
“Trump’s Bill not only positions the US as the global leader in AI, but also sets a benchmark for allied nations, like the UK, to follow.”
In the US, the bill is expected to ignite a wave of innovation. By prioritising advancements in machine learning, robotics, and data analysis, the legislation aims to bolster American businesses’ competitive edge in sectors ranging from healthcare to finance. Key beneficiaries will include startups in Silicon Valley, established tech giants, and universities conducting cutting-edge AI research. The bill’s funds are earmarked for a range of initiatives, including research grants, AI infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and workforce training. The move reflects the growing recognition that AI will be a cornerstone of economic power and national security in the coming decades.
Hayes said: “The sheer scale of this investment is unprecedented. It will create jobs, attract global talent, and solidify the US’s position as the epicenter of AI innovation. Businesses that can adapt and integrate these advancements will thrive, while those that lag behind, risk obsolescence.”
Across the Atlantic, UK businesses are watching closely. The British government had previously set out ties with the US, with former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former President Joe Biden hosting a joint press conference in April 2024 announcing a partnership on AI safety. However, within 48 hours of taking office Trump has already revoked a 2023 executive order made by Biden, which was set to address the risks that artificial intelligence poses to consumers, workers and national security.
Hayes suggested that the UK should take inspiration from the US initiative. “The UK must act decisively to keep pace,” he said. “We need to see increased investment in AI research, incentives for tech startups, and educational reforms to cultivate a highly skilled workforce.
“AI is no longer a future consideration; it’s today’s battleground. Governments and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic must treat it as a top priority.
“As the global AI race intensifies, the ramifications of the American AI Ascend Act will undoubtedly shape the economic and technological landscape for years to come. Whether it’s fostering groundbreaking innovations or creating new challenges, one thing is clear: the AI revolution is here, and it’s moving at breakneck speed.”