Lessons from the Past: The Importance of American Leadership in AI

Over 40 years ago, Ronald Reagan cautioned Americans about the fragility of freedom. Today, as the U.S. finds itself in a competitive race with China for leadership in artificial intelligence, that warning resonates more than ever.

China is narrowing the gap. While the U.S. maintains an edge in certain crucial areas, the longevity of that advantage depends more on the dedication, skill, and strength of American workers than on mere technological advances. How willing are we to invest in the infrastructure they need?

Reagan once warned, back in 1980, that freedom is only a generation away from being lost. He emphasized that safeguarding it demands more than just determination; it requires proactive measures.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we find ourselves facing a challenge that Reagan would likely recognize. An authoritarian rival is on the rise. The race in technology has significant implications for our economy and national security, and another generation of Americans needs to decide if it has the resolve to compete.

We must answer affirmatively to that challenge.

The 2026 AI Index from the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI highlights both America’s advantages and the fierce global competition in technology. Notably, the U.S. is home to 5,427 data centers—over ten times the number found in any other nation.

This infrastructure is not merely an economic asset; it’s a cornerstone that needs continual enhancement.

Throughout history, Americans have consistently risen to the occasion to create what the country requires. From building factories and farms to establishing power systems and highways, they also developed universities and communication networks, contributing to the industrial strength that helped secure victories in two world wars. This legacy continues in today’s advanced manufacturing plants, semiconductor production facilities, energy projects, and data centers.

America’s strength isn’t something we inherit; it’s crafted by the hard work of our labor force.

In this age of AI, the infrastructure becoming increasingly vital to our economic and national security includes energy sources, semiconductors, data centers, computing capabilities, and, crucially, the skilled labor necessary to manage and execute these systems.

The investments we make will have wide-ranging benefits, supporting hospitals, schools, manufacturers, and first responders, as well as the secure digital frameworks that facilitate modern commerce and government operations. These decisions will ultimately influence whether the U.S. or China leads in technologies that will define the global economy for years to come.

This isn’t just about maintaining competitiveness; it’s also about ensuring ongoing American technological dominance and the economic and security benefits tied to it.

The future won’t be forged solely by algorithms. It’ll take electricians, engineers, construction workers, technicians, and machinists—essentially, the individuals who transform investments into real American capabilities.

Likewise, American technological leadership hinges not only on innovation but also on the workforce that constructs, manages, and sustains the infrastructure that enables such innovation.

It’s essential that free markets, rather than government mandates, guide these developments. Private investment is already flowing; companies like Amazon are making significant, long-term commitments to enhance American cloud infrastructure, attracted by communities that offer the necessary workforce, land, and energy resources.

The government’s role should be clear-cut: to establish rules, ensure accountability, and allow private enterprises to thrive.

Local communities have every right to scrutinize issues such as energy consumption, tax deals, and developer commitments. Good projects should be able to endure this type of examination. Developers need to provide transparent answers and take responsibility in the communities they serve.

However, we shouldn’t allow responsible oversight to impede necessary progress. The jobs, investments, tax revenues, and strategic advantages that come with developing data centers are too significant to risk losing by making it excessively difficult to build within our borders.

Capital can go where it’s most welcomed. Technology firms have options when it comes to investment. If the U.S. complicates the process of establishing crucial infrastructure, those valuable investments—along with their associated jobs and innovations—may take root elsewhere.

Reagan recognized that America’s strength was a product of intentional choices, risks, and labor by free individuals.

Now, as we commemorate our 250 years, we face another pivotal decision.

We can either construct the needed energy, computing, and industrial infrastructure to uphold American leadership in the era of AI, or we may end up watching as investments flow away from us while our competitors gain momentum.

For 250 years, American workers, entrepreneurs, and communities have made the choice to build. This generation must do the same.