Driving the Day

Today is February 26, 2025, and here are the key policymaker and stakeholder actions on AI you need to know: In his Senate confirmation hearing, Michael Kratsios, President Trump’s nominee for science and technology advisor, testified about the importance of achieving AI dominance before China. Around the nation, Meta is considering locations in Louisiana, Wyoming, or Texas for a new AI data center campus that could cost $200 billion. Across the pond, U.K. ministers are considering concessions in their AI copyright proposal after famous artists lobbied against the plans. Meanwhile, China accused Taiwan of trying to hand its semiconductor industry to the U.S. as a "souvenir" to win political support in Washington.

In this issue:

• Washington in Focus: President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video showcasing his proposals for the potential development of the Gaza Strip.

• Around the Nation: New Mexico’s governor announced a deal for a $5 billion digital infrastructure campus that will include an AI data hub.

• Across the Pond: A new survey suggests a surge in U.K. university students using AI tools to complete their work.

• Global Highlights: Hong Kong plans to boost AI development in a bid to address its budget deficit.

• Outside Views: A researcher argued “discourse around the AI race is devolving into clash of civilizations nonsense.”

Read these stories and more below: