President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the AI-powered license plate reader cameras made by surveillance firm Flock Safety, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he "likes" the technology even as the systems face mounting bipartisan scrutiny in Washington.
Trump Backs the Technology
Speaking to reporters during a flight, the president offered his approval of Flock's network of automated cameras, which scan and log vehicle license plates across thousands of communities in the United States. His comments come as the company navigates growing criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Flock Safety has grown rapidly by selling its camera systems to local police departments and homeowners' associations, building a vast database of vehicle movements that can be searched and shared among agencies. Supporters argue the tools help solve crimes, while critics warn they enable pervasive, warrantless tracking of ordinary Americans.
The president's endorsement lands squarely against a rising tide of bipartisan concern over mass surveillance.
Bipartisan Pushback Mounts
Trump's support arrives as the technology draws fire from both Republicans and Democrats. A Senate investigation has been launched into how the license plate data is collected, stored, and shared, raising questions about privacy protections and potential misuse.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders has pledged to introduce legislation aimed at reining in the surveillance systems, signaling that opposition is not limited to a single party. Concerns center on how easily law enforcement and other parties can access the location histories that the cameras generate.
Privacy advocates have flagged several issues with the expanding network:
- The creation of searchable databases tracking vehicle movements without warrants
- Data-sharing arrangements between agencies that may lack oversight
- The potential for abuse by bad actors gaining access to the systems
The clash sets up a broader debate over the balance between public safety and civil liberties, with the White House now firmly on one side of a fight that has united unlikely political allies in opposition.