The Trump administration is facing internal divisions over artificial intelligence policy, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum rejecting Pope Leo XIV's recent cautionary remarks on the technology.
The Pope's address, which outlined five potential ways AI could reshape human civilization, has sparked debate among key Trump allies, particularly as the administration resists new regulatory guardrails.
Burgum's dismissal of the Vatican's stance marks a new escalation in the administration's public disagreement with the Catholic Church.
This comes at a time when the White House is already at odds with major tech firms over a proposed AI executive order, which has drawn resistance from influential Silicon Valley allies.
The Pope's remarks, delivered during a Vatican speech, emphasize ethical concerns surrounding AI's rapid development and its potential impact on global affairs.
The growing tension highlights a broader struggle between regulatory oversight and technological innovation.