In April 2025, Michael Kratsios, the White House Director of Science and Technology under the Trump administration, made a bold claim that American technology has the capability to "manipulate time and space." This statement was delivered during his speech at the Endless Frontiers Retreat in Austin, Texas, where he emphasized the potential for U.S. technological advancements to surpass the stagnation observed in recent decades.
Kratsios argued that the nation is "capable of so much more" and highlighted that American technologies "leave distance annihilated, cause things to grow, and improve productivity." While he did not provide specific details about the technologies in question, his speech touched on areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and semiconductors. This remark has sparked significant debate and speculation, with some interpreting it as a metaphor for technological efficiency and others taking it more literally, evoking comparisons to science fiction.
The timing of Kratsios' statement coincided with the Trump administration's announcement of tariff exemptions for certain technology products, including Apple watches, laptops, and semiconductor equipment. Additionally, the administration released a fact sheet outlining plans to leverage technology for improving government efficiency, further emphasizing the role of innovation in national progress.
Critics, however, have questioned the feasibility of such claims, pointing to ongoing challenges in U.S. scientific funding and research. The Biden administration's cuts to health grants, NASA, and NOAA budgets have raised concerns about the state of American science, leading some to view Kratsios' remarks as aspirational rather than grounded in current realities.
For more details, you can refer to the original sources: ABC 33/40 and ZME Science.