From effective altruists to MAGA: The odd origins of Humans First’s AI campaign

Published May 18, 2026 11:45am ET | Updated May 18, 2026 12:05pm ET



Welcome to Monday’s edition of Washington Secrets. Today we take a look at the return of Amy Kremer, longtime booster of Donald Trump, who is emerging as a player in the AI wars. Her outfit, Humans First, released a letter calling for careful regulation of the technology. But could she be the witting or unwitting conservative face of a movement launched by Effective Altruists? Plus, why you should always take photos of Pete Hegseth if you see him out and about around town!

Dozens of New Yorkers gathered in a church hall in March, setting aside their political differences to unite against the way big tech and its wealthy owners were trying to foist artificial intelligence on Americans.

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