US President Donald Trump highlighted the emergence of a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) model, DeepSeek, as a significant development for American companies to consider. Speaking in Florida on Monday, Trump described the advancement by the Chinese startup as a “wake-up call” for the U.S. tech industry to strengthen its competitive edge.

“The release of DeepSeek, AI from a Chinese company, should be a wake-up call for our industries that we need to be laser-focused on competing to win,” Trump stated.

Impact on Global Markets

The announcement led to a sell-off in technology stocks globally, as investors worried that DeepSeek’s low-cost, faster AI model could challenge the dominance of U.S.-based leaders in the AI space.

Cheaper and Faster AI Technology

Trump acknowledged the competitive implications of the Chinese innovation but also pointed out potential benefits for the U.S. industry. “China coming up with a faster and much less expensive AI method is good because it reduces costs. I view that as a positive because U.S. companies can adopt similar strategies to achieve the same results,” he remarked.

Confidence in American Innovation

Trump emphasized his belief in the superiority of American scientists and innovators, sharing that Chinese leaders have praised the U.S. for its talent pool. “We always have the ideas. We’re always first,” he asserted, suggesting that American companies will adapt and maintain their competitive edge.

A Call to Action

The president urged U.S. industries to see this development as an opportunity to streamline innovation processes and reduce costs. “Instead of spending billions and billions, you’ll spend less, and you’ll come up with, hopefully, the same solution,” he added.

DeepSeek’s breakthrough underscores the evolving landscape of AI development, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese tech firms on the global stage and reinforcing the need for U.S. companies to remain agile and innovative.