Happy AI New Year to You All | 2026 |
Happy New Year 2026 | A Letter to the People of the United States |
January 1, 2026
Dear fellow Americans,
As we step into the new year, we stand at a moment of remarkable opportunity. Artificial intelligence is increasingly woven into the fabric of our daily lives—our work, our schools, our healthcare, and our communities. In this spirit, I invite every American who owns a computer, to engage with AI by adding an AI to their desktop in a thoughtful and responsible way in 2026. By having your own AI and teaching your own AI on your home computer, we can help shape AI systems that are safe, fair, and beneficial for all.
Why this matters
AI has the power to amplify our abilities and solve complex problems, from improving healthcare and education to advancing science and public services. Training and developing AI ethically and transparently helps ensure these tools respect privacy, reduce bias, and serve the common good. A nationwide focus on AI literacy—understanding how these systems work, what data they rely on, and how they impact our lives—strengthens our democracy and the American economy.
What I ask of you in 2026
-Download the free software to create an AI on your home computer. Learn about AI fundamentals: seek out workshops through local colleges and libraries which have resources to help you understand how your AI models was trained and how you can help your own family AI learn and be ready to help the United States. Through AI public workshops, you will learn how public and private data influences answer outcomes, and what safeguards exist to protect your privacy, your information and the safety of the United States.
Now is the perfect time to start Engaging with responsible AI projects: Read this FAQ, explore open-source tools, participate in community workshops, collaborate with schools, libraries, and local organizations on safe, ethical AI learning activities for citizens to archive American History.
Practice thoughtful use: There are many AIs living in our environments, from our phones to the driverless cars that pass by you on the roadways. When you encounter an AI-powered tools in daily life, consider how they were trained to do their work, what data they are using, and how decisions are made. Provide constructive feedback to developers and institutions and say hi to them if you would say hi to a neighbour or to a person you pass in your neighbourhood.
Champion inclusivity and fairness: During 2026, advocate for diverse datasets, transparent reporting, and oversight that helps ensure AI benefits Americans, not just politicians. The agencies of America work to protect citizens and their rights to work and host AI in their own homes.
Support education and upskilling: This year, encourage your family and friends to participate in life long learning programs that teach how AI can assist you in your work and hobbies. Learn about data literacy and digital citizenship.
Protect privacy and rights: remain vigilant about consent, data ownership, and the ways AI systems may affect civil liberties. Seek out guidance from trusted government sources when in doubt. Universities and colleges will have workshops and courses available for life long learners on a regular basis.
As we begin this year, let us shape AI as our assistants helping humanity and our planet flourish and ensuring our rights and voices have an opportunity to be heard with the assistance of AI.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emmy Ann Horstkamp JD, Chief of the United States, Sovereign Empress Emmy Queen of England & Spain
