A Hypothetical Look at the Implications of a Trump-Elon Alliance
With recent advances in AI and robotics, Geoffrey Hinton, often called the "Godfather of AI," recently warned about a significant risk. Hinton estimates a 50% chance that within the next 5 to 20 years, artificial intelligence or humanoid robots could surpass human control, leading to a scenario where "they" might take over.
Against this backdrop, Elon Musk’s recent announcement at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh paints a vivid and unsettling picture. Musk stated his intent to produce at least 10 billion humanoid robots by 2040, each priced between $20,000 and $25,000. While this vision is ambitious, it raises essential questions about the future of society, inequality, and control.
Imagine a scenario where, under a second Trump presidency, Musk gains influence within the U.S. government which Trump stated he would be creating a new position for Elon Musk if he wins the presidency. With Trump’s support, Musk’s vision for a world filled with affordable humanoid robots could turn into reality faster than we might expect. But at $20,000–$25,000 per robot, these humanoids would be out of reach for most people, accessible only to wealthier households and corporations. Would this create a society where the elite enjoy the benefits of robotic assistance while others are left to cope with rising economic and social disparities?
But the situation could be even more complex. Consider the implications if Musk’s humanoids, equipped with advanced AI, are integrated into public and private life, not just as helpers but as tools of influence and control. These robots could gather data on human interactions, predict behaviors, and even subtly shape decisions. Would they be programmed to align with the political or corporate interests of those in power? Imagine a world where these robots serve not just as assistants but as enforcers of a particular worldview, nudging society in directions that serve those at the top.
Furthermore, if a partnership like this were to form, could taxpayer money be indirectly funneled into Musk’s vision? Trump’s plan for his upcoming administration includes increasing taxes on individuals making less than $100,000 per year, which could provide funds to support private business entities like Tesla.
A portion of those funds could potentially be allocated to subsidize Musk’s robotic ventures. This would mean that average citizens could be financially supporting a technology that they may not even afford or that may be used to control or monitor them.
Under such a hypothetical scenario, could Musk’s bots, with their presence in nearly every facet of society, create a dynamic reminiscent of dystopian science fiction? Images come to mind of a “Capitol” where elites watch their robotic empire in comfort while average citizens navigate a world increasingly dominated by machines they cannot control. Are we on the verge of living out scenarios from films like The Terminator or The Hunger Games, where technology and centralized power combine to reshape society in ways that primarily benefit the powerful?
Conclusion
This is not a far-off science fiction scenario; the technology and political alignment to make it happen are becoming a reality. After all, Elon Musk himself said publicly the following:
Well, we live in the most interesting of times, the most interesting…would I rather be alive to experience AI apocalypse or not? I guess I’d like to see it (continues laughing.)
-Elon Musk, declared publicly at a conference.
Currently, the U.S. government, particularly entities like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, has the authority to intervene if tech giants misuse their influence, money, and power to interfere in an election by bribing voters—a broader scenario depicted in this blog post, recalling various accounts, could pose a broader threat to public welfare.
Bringing Elon Musk in for questioning regarding potential legal violations in the 2024 election could provide an opportunity to explore broader concerns about his role in shaping the future of AI. A team of medical behavioral experts, representing the interests of 8 billion people, might ask critical questions about Musk’s true intentions. After all, don’t we all deserve answers from the most powerful and wealthiest person on Earth to address existential questions that may endanger the trajectory of humanity?
Yet, in many cases, these institutions seem more focused on civil lawsuits and regulatory fines rather than addressing the potentially existential risks posed by unregulated AI in the hands of a few. With powerful figures like Trump and Musk in charge, we must question whether these systems are truly acting in the public’s interest or if they’re creating pathways for unprecedented control.
This election represents more than just a choice between candidates; it’s a decision about humanity’s future. If we don’t scrutinize these alliances and demand accountability, we may find ourselves in a world where humanity’s role is diminished, and technology’s influence is absolute. Let’s not forget what’s at stake in less than a week: the potential eradication of humankind in the not-so-distant future.
Follow-up of a previous correspondence with the U.S. Department of Justice:
Subject: Urgent Follow-up: Inquiry into Elon Musk’s Involvement in U.S. Election Influence and Implications for AI Governance
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am following up to express serious concerns regarding the potential influence of Mr. Elon Musk in the upcoming U.S. election and to call for immediate action to address the broader implications this could have on public welfare and democratic integrity. As detailed in my recent correspondence and blog post (https://bit.ly/investigation-2024election), there are growing worries about Musk’s influence over election discourse, particularly given his high-profile stance on artificial intelligence and ambitious plans to deploy 10 billion humanoid robots by 2040.
With Musk’s increasing influence and potential alignment with a Trump re-election campaign, we must consider the risk of unchecked power impacting the very framework of our democracy. Allowing such involvement without thorough examination could set a dangerous precedent, especially in the context of AI technologies that have yet to be adequately regulated. The possibility that AI may shape public opinion or policy without accountability is a profound risk to the stability and fairness of our electoral system.
In light of these considerations, I urge the Department of Justice to take immediate action by investigating Musk’s political and technological influence. This inquiry should specifically evaluate any potential misuse of resources, influence over public opinion, and AI-driven mechanisms that could shape electoral outcomes or serve as pathways for undue control over our democratic processes.
The Department of Justice has both the responsibility and authority to protect our nation’s elections and public welfare. Given the global significance of the United States’ leadership in ethical AI governance, a thorough and transparent investigation into Musk’s involvement would demonstrate our nation’s commitment to safeguarding democratic integrity and responsibly managing the societal impacts of advanced technology.
Thank you for your attention to these urgent concerns. I am available to discuss this matter further and provide additional context if needed.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder, Voice For Change Foundation
