Speaking on “Face the Nation” on September 13, 2026, Utah Governor Spencer Cox argued that the federal government must play a significantly larger role in regulating artificial intelligence, stating that current congressional response has been inadequate. Cox expressed embarrassment by the lack of urgency in Washington, particularly following recent reports highlighting the risks posed by AI advancements.
The Republican governor cited the “Hugging Face incident” as a stark reminder of the potential dangers, noting that experts in the field are increasingly concerned about the possibility of an existential event occurring more rapidly than previously projected. While he stopped short of calling for a total moratorium, Cox emphasized that government should be part of the conversation to protect the public.
Cox highlighted Utah’s “pro-human AI approach,” which involves bringing technology companies together with government officials to establish safeguards. He contrasted this collaborative model with what he described as Congress’s tendency to delay action, asserting that lawmakers need to engage more actively on this critical issue.
Shifting to election integrity, Cox addressed concerns regarding mail-in voting in Utah, where 95% of voters utilized ballots by mail during the June primaries. He defended the state’s rigorous security measures, which have been refined over a decade, while acknowledging that changes mandated by a presidential executive order affecting the Postal Service could impact voters. Cox affirmed that Utah will be prepared to ensure all eligible citizens can cast their ballots regardless of final Supreme Court decisions.
On the economy, Cox acknowledged the persistent affordability crisis, citing gas prices above $4 a gallon and an inflation rate of 3.4%. He pointed to the conflict in Iran as a factor driving up fuel costs and called for increased housing construction and permitting reform to address the root causes of high prices. Although he praised administrative efforts to lower housing costs, he stressed that Congress must act to pass the necessary legislation.
Cox also voiced concerns about the national debt, which recently surpassed $40 trillion, and warned against the inflationary pressures that could result from proposed $5,000 payments to American adults. He referenced the inflation spike seen during the Biden administration as a cautionary tale, urging fiscal responsibility alongside policies that stimulate building and infrastructure development.
Drawing from his new book, “Off Ramp: How to be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt,” Cox criticized the hostile rhetoric displayed by both political parties. He reflected on the first anniversary of the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah and noted a tenfold increase in threats against members of Congress over the past decade. Cox urged Americans to find common ground and disagree more constructively, expressing hope that the political climate would improve ahead of the November midterms.
Tenfold increase in threats against Congress is a staggering statistic. How are lawmakers supposed to compromise when their lives are in danger?
Does anyone else find it ironic a Republican governor is pushing for more federal regulation? The lines are definitely blurring here.
The Hugging Face incident was terrifying. It is alarming that federal action is lagging this far behind the actual technological risks.
Forty trillion dollars in debt and we’re debating $5,000 checks? The fiscal responsibility argument is valid, but what about the services?
I appreciate Cox trying to bridge the divide. We really need more peacemakers and fewer arsonists in politics right now.