Senator Ted Budd, representing North Carolina in the U.S. Senate, addressed a range of national security and leadership topics in a series of posts on July 23, 2025.
In his first post of the day, Senator Budd expressed concern about China’s expanding influence over foreign ports in Africa. He stated, “China owns, controls, and influences foreign ports in Africa, putting them in a position to project power across the Atlantic. This is a serious threat to our national security & it cannot be ignored.” (July 23, 2025).
Later that afternoon, Budd shared his experience engaging with young adults at an event focused on faith and public service. He wrote, “Enjoyed speaking and praying with 50 young adults from across the country. Thank you, @PrayVoteEngage, for providing this next generation of leaders with the tools they need to be public servants who live their faith.” (July 23, 2025).
In an evening post on the same day, Senator Budd commented on U.S. efforts to remain competitive with China in artificial intelligence development. He said, “To stay ahead of China in the AI race, we must remove red tape, invest in a skilled workforce, and enhance and expand the power grid. I applaud @POTUS’s AI Action Plan to accelerate U.S. technological innovation, fuel economic growth, and provide for our national security.” (July 23, 2025).
Senator Budd has been vocal about issues related to U.S.-China relations and technology policy during his tenure. His recent statements align with ongoing concerns among policymakers regarding China’s global infrastructure investments and technological competition.
