The Controversial Role of AI in Trump’s Tariff Calculations

Amid increasing scrutiny of trade policies, reports have surfaced suggesting that former US President Donald Trump’s administration may have employed artificial intelligence—specifically OpenAI’s ChatGPT—to determine tariff rates for what was termed “Liberation Day” tariffs imposed on various countries.

The Origin of the Accusations

The claim gained traction when political commentator Destiny, known as @TheOmniLiberal on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the peculiarities of Trump’s tariff rates. According to Destiny, the methodology behind these tariffs lacked logic and clarity, which raised eyebrows regarding their calculation process.

I think they asked ChatGPT to calculate the tariffs from other countries, which is why the tariffs make absolutely no fucking sense.

They are simply dividing the trade deficit we have with a country by our imports from that country, or using 10%, whichever is greater. https://t.co/Rc45V7qxHl pic.twitter.com/SUu2syKbHS

— Destiny | Steven Bonnell II (@TheOmniLiberal) April 2, 2025

In his post, Destiny criticized the simplistic nature of the formula allegedly used to establish tariff rates, suggesting it was inadequate for such complex economic assessments.

The Formula Explained

Destiny backed his theory with screenshots of a conversation with ChatGPT. In the chat, he inquired about a straightforward method to compute tariffs that would place the US on a level playing field concerning trade deficits, stipulating a minimum rate of 10%.

According to the LA Times, ChatGPT responded with a proportional tariff formula, recommending that nations with larger trade deficits pay higher tariffs to encourage more balanced trade relationships with the US.

Expert Opinions on AI’s Involvement

The growing speculation around the possible influence of AI on tariff calculations was further amplified by legal commentator John Aravosis. In a TikTok video, Aravosis elaborated on how the tariffs were supposedly derived.

He illustrated the process of calculating tariffs by dividing the US trade deficit with a particular country by the total imports from that country. “They’re basing U.S. trade policy on a misguided ChatGPT query that was completely off,” Aravosis asserted.

The Implications of AI in Government Policy

This situation raises critical questions about the reliance on AI for significant decision-making processes in government. If true, it indicates a troubling trend toward oversimplifying complex economic policies.

Public Reaction and Concerns

As the accusations gained traction, many expressed concern over the implications of such a strategy. Critics argue that relying on AI for formulating trade policies could lead to shortsighted decisions that do not account for the intricacies of international economics.

Supporters of AI in policy-making might contend that technology could provide fresh perspectives and data-driven insights. However, transparency and accountability remain paramount, particularly in such high-stakes scenarios.

Conclusion: A Need for Scrutiny

Whether or not AI truly played a role in shaping the tariff rates remains a contentious topic. The allegations highlight the pressing need for scrutiny regarding the use of technology in government decision-making processes. Understanding and improving the methods behind such fiscal policies is essential for the future of US trade relations and economic stability.

FAQs

1. Why are people saying Trump used ChatGPT for the tariffs?

Some believe the tariff formula is overly simplistic and may have originated from a ChatGPT conversation.

2. Who first claimed ChatGPT was used to create the tariff plan?

The claim was publicly made by political commentator Destiny (@TheOmniLiberal) through shared screenshots of his interaction with ChatGPT.

3. What was the formula discussed by Destiny?

The formula involved dividing the US trade deficit with a country by the overall imports from that nation, or using a minimum rate of 10%.

4. What did ChatGPT suggest regarding tariff calculations?

ChatGPT proposed a formula where nations with bigger trade deficits would incur higher tariffs to encourage balanced trade.

5. What are the broader implications of using AI for policy-making?

Relaying on AI for such critical decisions raises concerns about oversimplification and the potential neglect of complex economic realities.