• Sen. Tom Cotton urges the Trump administration to bar US government agencies and contractors from using Chinese AI models, citing national security risks.
  • Cotton calls for stricter export controls on advanced AI chips and stronger support for open US AI models to compete with China.
  • The Commerce Department has not immediately responded to a request for comment.

Security Concerns Drive New Push

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) is pressing the Trump administration to prohibit US government agencies and contractors from deploying AI models developed in China, according to people familiar with the matter. In a letter to the Commerce Department, Cotton argued that Chinese AI systems pose significant espionage and data-security risks, echoing bipartisan concerns over technology transfers.

“We cannot allow our own government to become reliant on AI that could be weaponized against us,” Cotton wrote, according to a copy reviewed by Bloomberg. The senator specifically cited models from companies like Baidu and Alibaba, though the letter did not name them directly.

Export Controls and Open-Source Alternatives

Cotton also advocated for tightening export controls on advanced AI chips used to train these models, building on existing restrictions imposed in 2022 and 2023. He urged the administration to prioritize funding and support for open US AI models as a competitive alternative, suggesting that open-source ecosystems could reduce dependence on Chinese technology.

The Commerce Department, which oversees export controls, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson declined to discuss the letter’s contents.

Industry and Market Implications

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from industry groups. Some cybersecurity experts support the move, noting that Chinese AI models are subject to Beijing’s surveillance laws. But others warn that a blanket ban could disrupt government procurement and limit access to cost-effective AI tools. Shares of major US AI companies edged higher on the news, while Chinese AI stocks dipped in overseas trading.

Cotton’s push aligns with broader US efforts to counter China’s technological rise, including the CHIPS Act and recent chip export restrictions. However, the timing remains uncertain as the administration weighs competing priorities.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the letter was sent last week. It was actually sent on Monday.