U.S. Urges Nations To Adopt 'Real AI Sovereignty' Built On American Systems

The Trump administration pushes for global adoption of U.S. AI technology at India summit

Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:34am

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The Trump administration used the AI summit in New Delhi to send a clear message to the world that the United States will not support global control of artificial intelligence and wants countries to build their AI systems on American technology. Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said Washington firmly opposes international oversight of AI development and urged governments to work with the U.S. through initiatives like the American AI Export Program.

Why it matters

The U.S. is asserting its technological dominance in AI and pushing for global adoption of American AI systems, which could have significant geopolitical and economic implications as countries seek to develop their own AI capabilities.

The details

Kratsios said AI policy should remain in the hands of individual nations and reflect their own priorities. He framed the U.S. position around 'real AI sovereignty,' which he defined as 'owning and using best-in-class technology for the benefit of your people, and charting your national destiny in the midst of global transformations.' He urged countries to work with the U.S. through initiatives like the American AI Export Program, the National Champions Initiative, and the Tech Corps program that will embed technical experts in partner countries.

  • The AI summit in New Delhi took place in 2026.

The players

Michael Kratsios

Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time of the AI summit in New Delhi.

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What they’re saying

“As the Trump Administration has now said many times: We totally reject global governance of AI. We believe AI adoption cannot lead to a brighter future if it is subject to bureaucracies and centralized control.”

— Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (IANS)

“Real AI sovereignty means owning and using best-in-class technology for the benefit of your people, and charting your national destiny in the midst of global transformations.”

— Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (IANS)

“Complete technological self-containment is unrealistic for any country, because the AI stack is incredibly complex. But strategic autonomy alongside rapid AI adoption is achievable, and it is a necessity for independent nations. America wants to help.”

— Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (IANS)

What’s next

The U.S. plans to further promote the adoption of American AI technology through initiatives like the National Champions Initiative and the AI Agent Standards Initiative.

The takeaway

The U.S. is asserting its technological dominance in AI and pushing for global adoption of American AI systems, which could have significant geopolitical and economic implications as countries seek to develop their own AI capabilities. This reflects the Trump administration's 'America First' approach and desire to maintain U.S. leadership in emerging technologies.