Scaling Laws Navigating AI Policy: Dean Ball on Insights from the White House
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Aug 14, 2025 Dean Ball, former Senior Policy Advisor for AI at the White House, shares his insider perspective on the Trump administration's AI Action Plan. He discusses the challenges of federal AI policy-making and the clash between conservatism and techno-libertarianism. The conversation highlights the need for thoughtful regulatory frameworks and proactive governance. Ball outlines essential steps for America to lead in AI, including regulatory innovation and workforce development, while reflecting on his future aspirations in AI policy at a D.C. think tank.
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Accept White House Service Thoughtfully
- If you're called to serve in the White House, say yes because it's an extraordinary opportunity to influence policy.
- Expect steep learning curves and be honest about whether implementation or management suits your skills.
Drafting ≠ Implementing
- Drafting policy and implementing it require different skill sets and temperaments.
- Creative freedom inside the White House is limited compared with outside opportunities.
Bring Polished Policy Proposals
- If you join the White House, prepare to be a generalist who can rapidly produce well-formed policy ideas.
- Prioritize polished proposals because you'll face intense time pressure and wide inbound requests.