The conversation around AI and election security is not just a technical issue—it’s a constitutional, ethical, and leadership challenge. As policymakers grapple with deepfakes, misinformation, voter manipulation, and digital vulnerabilities, it’s worth asking: How would past U.S. presidents have handled the rise of artificial intelligence and the risks it poses to democratic elections?
From George Washington’s commitment to unity to Ronald Reagan’s technological optimism, each leader brought a distinct philosophy and crisis management style that can inform our current moment. Let’s explore what historical presidents might have done—and what we can learn from them today.
George Washington: Guarding Against Faction and Foreign Interference
George Washington never faced cyber warfare or generative AI, but his warnings in the Farewell Address are eerily relevant. He cautioned against political factions and foreign influence in domestic affairs, which aligns with current fears about election interference via AI-generated content from abroad.
How he might act today:
Washington would likely take a hard stance on foreign digital meddling, supporting bipartisan election protections. He might also emphasize moral leadership, believing the best defense against manipulation is an informed and united citizenry.
Lesson: Foundational unity and vigilance against external influence are timeless defenses in a democracy.
Abraham Lincoln: Fighting Disinformation with Honest Speech
Lincoln faced disinformation of his own—rumors, forged letters, and hostile press during the Civil War era. Rather than silence critics, he held public debates and leaned on clear, persuasive language to reach the people directly.
How he might act today:
Lincoln would likely champion truth and transparency, using AI tools not to manipulate but to clarify and educate. He may even initiate public-facing platforms to counteract digital propaganda with verified facts, especially in times of national division.
Lesson: In the face of distortion, speak plainly, frequently, and with moral conviction.
Theodore Roosevelt: Regulate Big Tech Like Big Railroads
Theodore Roosevelt took on monopolies that he believed threatened democracy—railroads, meatpacking, and oil companies. If Roosevelt were alive today, he’d probably treat Big Tech and AI conglomerates the same way.
How he might act today:
He’d push for strict regulation of social media platforms and AI developers, especially those profiting from algorithms that distort information or undermine elections. He’d also demand algorithmic transparency and accountability.
Lesson: Concentrated corporate power over public infrastructure—whether railroads or recommender systems—must be curbed to preserve democracy.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Federal Programs for Tech Resilience
During the Great Depression and WWII, FDR used bold, centralized action to stabilize institutions. He created new agencies to meet modern needs—from the SEC to the WPA. He also launched massive government communications campaigns to maintain public morale and control narratives during wartime.
How he might act today:
FDR would likely launch a New Deal for Election Integrity, creating new institutions to monitor AI manipulation, deepfakes, and cybersecurity threats. He’d back public education efforts to promote media literacy, just as he used radio to explain complex policies during his presidency.
Lesson: When technology disrupts the democratic process, a strong public response can help build new, trusted infrastructure.
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Prioritize Cyber Defense and Nonpartisan Oversight
Eisenhower, a military strategist, warned of the military-industrial complex but also understood the importance of secure, resilient systems. He oversaw the early stages of the Cold War and placed a premium on infrastructure and strategic defense.
How he might act today:
Eisenhower would likely prioritize national cybersecurity strategy and federal investment in protecting election systems. He’d probably also call for a nonpartisan commission to oversee election integrity and AI threats, similar to how he managed the early nuclear age.
Lesson: Long-term peace and democratic resilience require careful, strategic investment in systems—not just slogans.
John F. Kennedy: Embrace AI with Caution and Purpose
JFK famously said we do things “not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” He rallied Americans behind the space race as a moral and scientific challenge. He had faith in technology but warned it must serve human values and liberty.
How he might act today:
Kennedy would embrace the potential of AI but demand ethical frameworks. He might frame the challenge of AI election security as the “new frontier” of democracy—requiring education, investment, and civic courage.
Lesson: Technological leadership must be paired with public trust and ethical clarity.
Richard Nixon: Secretive Tactics and Public Distrust
Nixon’s presidency, marred by Watergate, is a cautionary tale of surveillance, secrecy, and political manipulation. Under his watch, the government became more entangled in intelligence operations—some of which involved illegal domestic monitoring.
How he might act today:
While Nixon might support AI surveillance tools for election security, it’s possible he would overreach, increasing public distrust. His legacy serves as a reminder that even legitimate security concerns can be exploited.
Lesson: Protecting democracy must never come at the cost of civil liberties and transparency.
Ronald Reagan: Optimism for Innovation, But Watch the Threat
Reagan championed a visionary view of technology—investing in space defense (Star Wars program) and boosting Silicon Valley’s rise. But he also took Cold War threats seriously, investing in information warfare capabilities.
How he might act today:
Reagan would probably support public-private partnerships to safeguard election systems, emphasizing innovation while promoting American values in tech. He’d encourage companies to self-regulate before pushing government overreach.
Lesson: A balance between optimism and vigilance is crucial in the tech age.
Barack Obama: Emphasis on Tech Literacy and Digital Ethics
Obama was the first “tech president,” using social media effectively in campaigns. He also warned about misinformation and digital echo chambers during and after his presidency. His administration promoted STEM education and cyber-defense.
How he might act today:
Obama would double down on education, transparency, and ethical AI development. He’d likely push for global cooperation to regulate election interference and use his communication skills to rebuild digital trust.
Lesson: Build a culture of tech literacy and global cooperation, not just regulation.
Donald Trump: Distrust of Institutions and Electoral Narratives
Trump’s legacy around elections is defined by suspicion, misinformation, and challenges to electoral legitimacy. While he didn’t create AI-generated election content, his rhetoric encouraged many to distrust digital information and the electoral process.
How he might act today:
Trump might leverage AI to build direct connections with voters while casting doubt on opposing narratives. His approach underscores how technology can amplify division when not grounded in shared civic norms.
Lesson: Strong norms and institutions are essential when new tools can rapidly influence perception.
Joe Biden: Policy-First, Coalition-Driven Response
As the 46th president, Biden pushed for bipartisan election protection legislation and raised alarms about foreign interference and deepfakes. His administration engaged tech companies on AI ethics and national security.
How he might act today (or again):
Biden would likely call for international norms, stronger AI legislation, and restoration of trust in elections—through calm messaging, bipartisan engagement, and federal standards.
Lesson: Steady governance and broad coalitions remain vital in the face of complex, evolving threats.
Final Thought: Learning from the Past
From Washington’s unity to Roosevelt’s regulation, Lincoln’s honesty to Kennedy’s ambition, past presidents offer a mosaic of wisdom for handling AI and election security in 2025. None had AI at their fingertips, but each faced seismic shifts in how Americans engaged with truth, leadership, and each other.
The ultimate lesson?
Leadership in the AI era demands courage, clarity, and an unwavering belief in the democratic process.