Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican and occasional critic of President Donald Trump, voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration's recent policies on gambling and artificial intelligence (AI) during his appearance at POLITICO’s 2026 Governors Summit on Thursday. Cox criticized the federal government for attempting to override state-level initiatives, deeming such actions as "preposterous."

Cox's discontent was sparked by a statement from CFTC Chair Mike Selig, asserting federal supremacy in regulating prediction markets. "This is a joke, and I can’t believe he tried to say this with a straight face," Cox remarked, highlighting his concerns over the impact of new technologies on children, especially the sale of sexualized chat bots.

The tension escalated last week when the White House issued a letter to the Utah Legislature opposing a Republican-led bill aimed at regulating AI. This move followed a December executive order signed by Trump, warning states of potential consequences for trying to regulate the burgeoning AI sector. Despite these warnings, Cox remained firm on his stance, emphasizing the need to win the "AI arms race" against global competitors like China and Russia while ensuring the technology is used for humanity's benefit and not its detriment.

Governor Cox also took the opportunity to express his disappointment in Trump’s approach to national unity. Referring to his own endorsement of Trump following an assassination attempt in 2024, Cox admitted his hopes for Trump to unify the country were merely "aspirational." He criticized Trump for not making efforts to bridge divides among Americans, contrasting their leadership styles.

Additionally, Cox addressed concerns within his party, particularly criticizing the "Heritage American" movement for its nativist messages, which he believes could lead to electoral losses and does not represent the majority of American views.

Governor Cox's remarks at the summit reflect deepening divisions within the Republican Party and underscore significant concerns about the direction of national policy on emerging technologies and social unity. As state and federal levels clash, the debate over the appropriate balance of power and the ethical boundaries of AI continues to unfold.