May 26, 2026
America must stay ahead of China in innovation, Col. Rob Maness says
USAF-retired colonel backs Rubio warning, urges open-source AI strategy to preserve U.S. military and technological edge
GULFPORT, Miss. —Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning that America must stay ahead of China’s technological advances highlights an urgent national security challenge, said Col. Robert L. Maness, USAF-ret.
Maness said China has leveraged intellectual property theft and reverse engineering to narrow the gap with the United States.
FOX News reported that Rubio warned America must “stay ahead of the curve” as China works to surpass the United States through stolen technology.
“Secretary Rubio is on target. China is an intellectual property thief of the highest order. They will surpass us in every key area if we fail to maintain our edge from intellectual to manufacturing capacity,” said Col. Robert L. Maness, USAF-ret.
Maness recently argued in National Review that America must adopt a more resilient open-source artificial intelligence strategy to counter China’s rapid advances.
“China is rapidly improving and exporting cheap AI models worldwide. America cannot afford complacency. We must build and export secure, high-performing open-source systems that strengthen our military and support our allies,” Maness said.
“America faces a choice between dependence on closed systems vulnerable to concentrated power or a resilient AI ecosystem designed to serve national and sovereign interests. The future of military AI is at stake,” Maness said.
To learn more from Col. Rob Maness, USAF-ret., click here to order “What You Can Do About It” — available in paperback, hardcover and on the Kindle — and contact media@hamiltonstrategies.com for an interview.
Col. Rob Maness, USAF-ret., is a decorated combat veteran and dynamic leader with over 40 years of experience steering complex organizations through high-stakes challenges. Maness has an unmatched track record of turning around failing systems, building high-performing teams, and delivering results under pressure — whether in war zones, corporate boardrooms or political arenas. During his military service, Maness received eighteen major awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit twice and a Bronze Star for combat leadership.
Maness’ 2013-2014 U.S. Senate run on “America First” principles rallied 210,000 votes, while his GatorPAC has brought millions of donor dollars into like-minded candidates such as JD Vance and Donald J. Trump. Through Iron Liberty Group (2013-present), he consults, hosts “The Rob Maness Show” on the WorldViewTube Network, and drives digital initiatives, showcasing entrepreneurial adaptability. His leadership — forged in combat, proven in turnarounds and fueled by a knack for inspiring teams — marks him as a force for action and impact in any arena and is showcased in his book: “What You Can Do About It — Taking Real Action Against Corruption, Radicalism, and Moral Decay to Save America.”
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To interview Rob Maness, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Richard Jefferson, rjefferson@hamiltonstrategies.com.
