WFEA host Jeff Chidester welcomes nationally recognized AI and technology expert Carrie Sheffield, Director of the Center for AI and Technology at the Independent Women’s Forum, to The Morning Update. Carrie walks listeners through her recent blog post, “Let Cooler Heads Prevail: Conservatives’ AI Approach Provides Clarity, Not Panic,“ detailing why free-market innovation and sensible policy offer a far better path forward than regulatory overreach and doom-and-gloom alarmism.

The wide-ranging conversation dives into high-stakes global and domestic tech policy:

• The U.S.–China AI Race: Jeff and Carrie analyze key geopolitical discussions between President Trump and Chinese leadership on artificial intelligence guardrails, technological sovereignty, and staying ahead of adversary capabilities.
• Foreign Influence & Domestic Infrastructure: A look into foreign adversary campaigns aimed at stirring local opposition to critical AI data centers and energy infrastructure built on American soil.
• AI and the 2026 Midterm Elections (part of Carrie’s writings): In her articles, Carrie breaks down how deepfakes, synthetic media, and AI-driven narrative manipulation are looming over upcoming political campaigns, offering insights on how voters and policymakers can safeguard election integrity without stifling technological progress.