JD Vance Advocates for American Industrial Revival, Critiques Globalization at AI Summit
Vice President JD Vance criticized globalization’s reliance on ‘cheap labor’ and praised America’s industrial resurgence during his speech at the American Dynamism Summit in Washington, D.C.
During his address at the American Dynamism Summit on March 18, 2025, Vice President JD Vance took a firm stance against the pitfalls of globalization, which he argued has stunted global innovation by leaning too heavily on ‘cheap labor’. Speaking at the Waldorf Astoria, Vance highlighted the detrimental effects of globalization on both American workers and the tech industry, asserting that it has led to a dependency that hampers progress.
Vance elaborated on the misconceptions of globalization, particularly the belief that less developed nations would indefinitely remain at the lower end of the production chain. He argued that this has led to a competitive squeeze as these nations advance, challenging the higher-value roles traditionally held by wealthier countries. “Cheap labor is fundamentally a crutch, and it’s a crutch that inhibits innovation,” Vance stated, underscoring his view that this dependency has turned into an addiction for many American firms.
The Vice President also touched upon the broader implications of globalization, noting that countries like Canada and the UK, which have similarly relied on importing cheap labor, have experienced stagnating productivity. Vance’s critique extended beyond economic impacts, suggesting that globalization’s structure has failed both the populist workers and tech optimists by not fostering a conducive environment for innovation.
In his speech, Vance also addressed the future of artificial intelligence (AI), advocating for its potential to drive a new industrial revolution. He cautioned against overregulation of AI, which he believes could deter innovators and limit the technology’s transformative impact. Vance drew parallels between the rise of AI and the introduction of ATMs in the 1970s, arguing that fears of job displacement are often overblown. Instead, he suggested that AI could enhance productivity and lead to the creation of new, higher-quality jobs.
The American Dynamism Summit, hosted by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, serves as a crucial link between Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C., facilitating discussions on technology’s role in shaping economic and industrial policies. Other notable speakers at the event included Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, General Bryan P. Fenton of the U.S. Special Operations Command, and Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres from New York.
Vance’s remarks at the summit reflect the broader policy direction of the Trump administration, which has prioritized American industrial revival and innovation in AI. This approach is supported by significant investments in AI infrastructure, such as the Stargate project, aimed at bolstering U.S.-based data centers.
As the administration continues to navigate the complex landscape of global trade and technological advancement, Vance’s critique of globalization and his vision for AI’s role in America’s industrial comeback remain central to the ongoing dialogue on economic policy and technological innovation.