In a head-scratching moment on CNN’s "Situation Room" Thursday, Democrat Senator Peter Welch of Vermont delivered a perspective that seems to prioritize globalist sentiment over America's strategic national security interests. Welch used the cable news platform to openly criticize former President Donald Trump’s characterization of the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape as a "race" – instead advocating for "cooperation" with China and the European Union.

Senator Welch's perplexing view emerged when co-host Pamela Brown raised the crucial question: "[W]hat do you do about the threat of China and these open-weight models from China? You can regulate here, but China's not necessarily going to give up on its race on the AI front."

Instead of affirming American technological leadership or advocating for a robust competitive stance against a nation actively seeking global dominance and often engaging in intellectual property theft, Welch doubled down. "No, that's exactly right," he responded, echoing the idea that China won't give up its push, before pivoting to his main point of concern: "And this is where it's troubling with President Trump just characterizing it as, quote, a race."

Welch then articulated his vision for a shared future with the communist regime: "There's got to be a real effort to have some cooperation with China, with the E.U., when it comes to protecting the human control of this incredibly new technology." The idea that 'cooperation' with China – a totalitarian state with documented malign intentions – on critical, dual-use technology like AI is a viable or safe path for American innovation and security is, to many, a dangerous fantasy.

The Senator's narrative of "cooperation" with Beijing stands in stark contrast to President Trump's America First approach, which correctly identifies China as a primary economic and strategic competitor, not a partner in shared technological governance. Trump's framework recognizes the critical race for technological supremacy and the imperative to protect American innovation and national security from adversaries who do not play by the same rules.

Welch mentioned efforts in a defense bill to allow AI companies to "work together to try to make certain that safeguards are in place," attempting to paint a picture of benign collaboration. However, the notion that sharing advanced AI capabilities with a determined geopolitical rival, merely hoping for "safeguards," is a responsible strategy stretches credulity. True national security demands strength, independence, and a clear understanding of who our adversaries are.

This call for AI "cooperation" with China, broadcast on a major network, highlights a concerning disconnect within parts of the political establishment. As the world races towards new technological frontiers, America cannot afford to dilute its competitive edge or compromise its national security by embracing a naive 'cooperate-at-all-costs' mentality with nations that fundamentally oppose American values and global leadership. President Trump’s 'race' mentality, far from being 'troubling,' is a clear-eyed recognition of reality and a vital call to action for America to win the future.