What Connor Leahy has said about AI existential risk

Leahy argues that superintelligence would not serve American interests but would act as an adversary that ends all nations.

“Superintelligence is not a tool. It's not a weapon. It's an adversary. If America builds superintelligence, we don't achieve American objectives”

Danny Jones Podcast: #432 - "Terrifying New Behavior" Real Reason AI CEOs Are Building Bunkers | Connor Leahy (Sep 18, 2026) · Listen from 23:40

Leahy proposes an international trust-but-verify regime to ensure no country or company builds superintelligence.

“The way I see that we have to do this is through an international trust but verify regime”

Danny Jones Podcast: #432 - "Terrifying New Behavior" Real Reason AI CEOs Are Building Bunkers | Connor Leahy (Sep 18, 2026) · Listen from 24:46

Leahy calls for legislation making the development of superintelligence illegal, like building a nuclear weapon.

“What we need to do is pass legislation to ban the development of superintelligence”

Danny Jones Podcast: #432 - "Terrifying New Behavior" Real Reason AI CEOs Are Building Bunkers | Connor Leahy (Sep 18, 2026) · Listen from 42:06

Leahy believes billionaires are building bunkers mainly out of fear of popular revolt rather than AI.

“I think the main reason they're building bunkers is because they're scared people are going to revolt”

Danny Jones Podcast: #432 - "Terrifying New Behavior" Real Reason AI CEOs Are Building Bunkers | Connor Leahy (Sep 18, 2026) · Listen from 41:29