Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the administration has not responded to his request for a classified briefing on AI risks, writing that "we've heard nothing but crickets." He highlighted concerns about cybersecurity, export controls for AI chips and semiconductor equipment to China, and asked for details on testing frameworks for frontier AI systems. Schumer also suggested the Trump family's substantial AI-related investments could be influencing the administration's posture. Lawmakers seek clarity on export controls and plans to defend U.S. networks as AI capabilities advance.
Schumer: 'Nothing But Crickets' After Request For Classified AI-Risk Briefing — Flags Trump Family AI Investments
Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (Credit: Chuck Schumer | Photo courtesy: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com)
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) accused the Biden administration's successor of failing to answer congressional concerns about national-security and safety risks from advanced artificial intelligence. Schumer said the Senate has received no substantive response after he requested a classified briefing on those risks, and he suggested potential conflicts of interest tied to the Trump family's AI-related investments.
Schumer's Public Call for Action
On Sept. 22, 2026, Schumer posted on X that "we've heard nothing but crickets over a week" after calling for a private, all-senators briefing covering cybersecurity threats and steps to prevent the export of AI chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. He asked the administration to explain its plans for testing frontier AI systems and its preparations to defend U.S. networks from AI-enabled attacks.
"We've heard nothing but crickets over a week after I called for a classified Senate briefing on AI risks, including cybersecurity and stopping the flow of AI chips and manufacturing equipment to China." — Chuck Schumer (Sept. 22, 2026)
Conflict-Of-Interest Concerns
Schumer suggested the administration's silence might be influenced by private investments, writing, "Maybe Trump's not worried because his family has hundreds of millions (if not billions) tied up in the AI economy." He and other Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), have pushed back on public comments from President Trump that critics say downplay AI-safety risks.
Administration Response And Disclosures
President Trump has said the Justice Department could intervene if AI companies create "serious problems," while expressing opposition to new regulations he believes would hinder innovation. At the United Nations, he indicated federal documents may adopt the term "Super Intelligence" in place of "Artificial Intelligence."
Public disclosures show President Trump reported more than 20,000 stock trades over the past year, with filings in May, July and August. Those holdings were concentrated in companies tied to AI infrastructure, cloud computing and consumer technology, including Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon, Nvidia and AMD.
Why This Matters
Lawmakers say they need a clearer picture of export controls and cybersecurity preparations as AI systems become more capable and global competition for leading-edge semiconductors intensifies. A classified briefing for all senators would, proponents say, allow elected officials to assess risks ranging from AI-enabled cyberattacks to the potential misuse of advanced models.
What's Next: Schumer and allies are pressing for a formal response and a classified session that outlines federal plans for testing frontier AI systems, enforcing export controls, and hardening U.S. cyber defenses.
Help us improve.
