---
title: "Don’t Sacrifice American Capitalism to AI Anxiety"
summary: |-
  In an op-ed for *National Review*, President Daniel Castro argues that the United States should address specific AI risks without sacrificing the economic freedom, competition, and market-driven innovation that give America an edge over China in the global AI race.
date: "2026-09-17"
issues: ["Artificial Intelligence", "Data Innovation"]
authors: ["Daniel Castro"]
content_type: "Op-Eds & Contributed Articles"
canonical_url: "https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/dont-sacrifice-american-capitalism-to-ai-anxiety/"
---

# Don’t Sacrifice American Capitalism to AI Anxiety

As China races to develop open AI models, expand computing infrastructure, and accelerate AI adoption, some U.S. policymakers are considering proposals that would give the government a greater role in controlling the technology, including AI licensing regimes, “kill switches,” and even government ownership stakes in AI companies. In a [commentary for](https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/dont-sacrifice-american-capitalism-to-ai-anxiety/) *[National Review](https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/dont-sacrifice-american-capitalism-to-ai-anxiety/)*, President Daniel Castro argues that responding to AI risks with broad government controls could undermine the market-driven innovation that has long been one of America’s greatest technological advantages.

Castro argues that the United States should address specific AI risks through targeted safeguards while preserving openness, competition, rapid deployment, and private-sector innovation. As China seeks to harness these same forces to advance its economic and geopolitical power, he warns that America risks weakening its position if it constrains the technological dynamism that has historically driven U.S. leadership.

**[Read the full commentary in](https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/dont-sacrifice-american-capitalism-to-ai-anxiety/)** ***[National Review](https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/dont-sacrifice-american-capitalism-to-ai-anxiety/)*****[.](https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/dont-sacrifice-american-capitalism-to-ai-anxiety/)**

*Image credit for social media preivew:* [*Gage Skidmore/Flickr*](https://flic.kr/p/2h4jaLF)

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*Source: Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF)*
*URL: https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/dont-sacrifice-american-capitalism-to-ai-anxiety/*