The Billion-Dollar Bet Washington is Getting WRONG

While DC slashes AI budgets, IBM’s Arvind Krishna is sounding the alarm with the urgency of a five-alarm fire. In an exclusive TechCrunch interview, the tech titan dropped this truth bomb:

“Federally funded R&D should be increased – that’s unequivocal. This isn’t just corporate speak. It’s survival.”

Arvind Krishna, IBM CEO

The Bloodbath Happening Right Now

Here’s what’s getting axed while you read this:

• 50%+ cuts to National Science Foundation funding
• Gutted AI research offices (RIP TIP Directorate)
• $100M in IBM contracts vaporized overnight
• CHIPS Act on life support

Why This is Economic Suicide

Let’s talk ROI – because Washington clearly isn’t:

• 25-40% returns from federal research (US Joint Economic Committee)
• Beats top VC funds by 13 percentage points
• Currently at historic lows as % of GDP

“This isn’t about IBM’s bottom line – it’s about America’s future competitiveness. Every dollar cut today is $10 lost tomorrow.”

Krishna to TechCrunch

The Silver Lining?

Krishna’s betting on a 180-degree turn within 12 months:

• AI funding rebound
• Quantum computing surge
• Semiconductor renaissance

Bottom line: The clock is ticking. Either America leads the AI revolution, or we become spectators in our own future.