Donald Trump is betting America's future on winning the artificial intelligence race against China, framing AI leadership as a contest that could reshape global power. On September 4, Trump played down fears of advanced systems spiralling out of control or launching cyberattacks, instead stressing America's current advantage. His administration has already made AI leadership an economic, military and national-security priority, accelerating its use across government while strengthening safeguards. But with China racing to close the gap and a surprise AGI breakthrough potentially changing everything, can Trump keep America ahead of Xi Jinping?