cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/28395988

A comment by White House science adviser Michael Kratsios has gone viral after a speech in which he claimed U.S. technology can “manipulate time and space,” prompting online speculation.

Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, made the remark during a policy address at the Endless Frontiers Retreat in Austin, Texas on April 14.

“Our technologies permit us to manipulate time and space. They leave distance annihilated, cause things to grow, and improve productivity,” Kratsios said during prepared remarks published on the official White House website.

While the statement was likely intended as aspirational language about technological progress, it has since circulated widely online, with some interpreting the comment literally.

    • SPRUNT@lemmy.world
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      23 hours ago

      Not to mention the drastic drop in tourism. There’s so much more room for activities now!

  • MoonRaven@feddit.nl
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    2 days ago

    True, every time they speak at the white house I, as a European, feel more distant from the US and it always feels like time is slowing down.

  • Hirom@beehaw.org
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    1 day ago

    While the statement was likely intended as aspirational language about technological progress, it has since circulated widely online, with some interpreting the comment literally.

    The article headline, and sharing of this headline, feeds the conspirations and litteral interpretation.

    The line is sometimes blurry between reporting claims and fueling rumors or conspirations.

  • givesomefucks@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    Bruh, if everything a trump admin official said was true, we’d be living in a drastically different world…

    If we had any crazy alien shit. trump would be showing it off constantly. There’s no way he’d be able to help himself

  • ThePowerOfGeek@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    While the White House has not issued a formal clarification, the speech’s wording suggests the phrase was metaphorical—intended to refer to the transformative nature of modern innovation, not literal manipulation of space-time, or the invention of time travel.

  • IninewCrow@lemmy.ca
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    2 days ago

    They already have … it’s called Facebook, X (Twitter), Fox News and rage podcast entertainers.

    Due to the disinformation, misinformation and non-information they’ve created and spread, entire portions of the American population live in an entirely different time and space.

  • Che Banana@beehaw.org
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    2 days ago

    Kratsios then went on to explain: "We also were able to give Trump a huge cock. Not that it wasn’t massive and bigly on it’s own, but the technology gave us the chance to give him a ‘Thank you’ gift that even Arnold Palmer would be jealous of.

    Seriously… It’s also veiny and turgid as shit. Dude is stacked. I love serving in the shadow of his throbbing man-beast."