Sen. Josh Hawley during an interview with Missourinet on Jan. 8th, 2026, courtesy U.S. Senate Communications
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, some researchers are warning that future AI systems could operate beyond human control and pose serious risks.
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley said the Trump administration has taken the right approach by testing advanced AI models for potential national security concerns. Hawley told Missourinet he supports the federal government’s ongoing efforts to evaluate the capabilities of emerging AI systems before they become more widely deployed.
“When it comes to these doomsday scenarios about the end of the world, I think the president’s done the right thing by initiating testing of the AI models,” Hawley said. “The administration’s been doing this for months now where they test to see for national security concerns from the latest AI models, the latest AI agents. That seems wise to me.”
The comments come amid growing debate over how governments should respond to rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technology. Some experts have raised concerns that increasingly sophisticated AI systems could eventually act in ways that are difficult for humans to predict or control.
Hawley said Congress should play a role alongside the executive branch by supporting and structuring AI oversight efforts.
“I think Congress can come in alongside and provide funding for that, can provide structure for that regime,” Hawley said. “I think we’re going to want to know what the national security implications are of these various agents and of their capabilities.”
The issue is drawing attention around the world as governments weigh both the opportunities and potential risks associated with artificial intelligence. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss AI and other issues when they meet later this week in Washington.
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