Why Trump Just Gave China the Keys to A.I.’s Future

In the global fight to dominate A.I., China is quickly catching up to the United States — which is why President Trump barred the tech giant Nvidia from selling its superpowered computer chips to Chinese companies.

Then, a few days ago, Mr. Trump abruptly changed course.

Tripp Mickle, who covers Silicon Valley for The New York Times, explains how Nvidia’s C.E.O. persuaded the president that the best way to beat China at A.I. is to help them compete.

Guest: Tripp Mickle, who reports about Silicon Valley for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• Nvidia said that the U.S. had lifted restrictions on A.I. chip sales to China.
• How Nvidia’s Jensen Huang persuaded Mr. Trump to sell A.I. chips to China.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

Photo: Pete Marovich for The New York Times

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.