CEOs at Yale Reject Trump's Claim That AI Threats Are a Hoax, Poll Shows

At a Yale School of Management CEO conference in September 2026, an instant poll showed that 93% of participating executives disagreed with President Trump's characterization of AI threats as a hoax, saying that the risks of artificial intelligence are real.

The invitation-only gathering in Washington brought together dozens of top U.S. business leaders. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, the Yale management professor who organized the event, said executives expressed interest in discussing more ways to prevent AI harms, adding that 'the consensus is that the risks are real.'

Trump has resisted stronger federal oversight of AI, arguing that regulations would hurt the industry financially. Meanwhile, executives from leading AI companies such as Anthropic and OpenAI said in mid-September that the industry should slow the pace of advanced AI development to ensure safety.

Most attendees came from industries and regions outside Silicon Valley, including toolmaker Snap-on, MSI, and glassmaker Corning, which received an award at the event. Participants included executives leaning Republican or Democratic as well as government officials; former Vice President Mike Pence and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were present. Many executives were reluctant to speak publicly for fear of antagonizing the Trump administration, so the survey allowed them to express concerns collectively. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.