Trump Plans Executive Order Blocking State AI Regulations
President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday his intention to sign an executive order preempting artificial intelligence regulations at the state level, aligning with a more hands-off federal policy. In a post on Truth Social, he stated, “There must be only One Rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI.” Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining America’s competitive edge in the AI race, warning that allowing individual states to impose their own rules could hinder progress.
This executive order confirmation has alarmed academics, safety organizations, and bipartisan lawmakers who have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with a deregulated AI landscape. Critics highlight fears that this approach could enable AI companies to evade accountability for harmful impacts on consumers and society.
AI technologies are already undergoing minimal oversight as they increasingly infiltrate various aspects of life, including communications, healthcare, and law enforcement practices. Without comprehensive federal legislation, states have attempted to enact laws tackling issues like misleading deepfakes and algorithmic discrimination in hiring. However, the tech industry, represented by figures such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, argues that a haphazard array of state regulations could stifle innovation and affect U.S. standing in the global AI competition, ultimately impacting both the economy and national security.
The draft executive order mirrors these tech industry arguments, asserting that it seeks to enhance America’s global AI dominance through a “minimally burdensome, uniform national policy framework for AI.” Furthermore, it instructs the U.S. Attorney General to initiate an AI Litigation Task Force aimed at challenging state laws that could interfere with this new federal directive.
During his Truth Social post, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “You can’t expect a company to get 50 Approvals every time they want to do something,” cautioning that such a model could jeopardize the nascent AI sector. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett echoed this sentiment, describing the executive order as a way to provide one cohesive set of regulations for AI companies in the U.S., compared to what he described as stringent state regulations.
Congress had previously halted efforts from Republicans to restrict state involvement in AI regulation back in July, but this new executive order signals a revived push for a more deregulated approach. This regained momentum comes in the face of mounting public concern, following troubling reports regarding the risks of AI, including its potential to amplify mental health issues and expose younger audiences to inappropriate content.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the impending order as a form of “federal government overreach,” arguing it unjustly removes states’ authority to enact necessary protections against potential predatory practices inherent in technology and online platforms. Additionally, over a hundred organizations—from tech labor unions to consumer protection nonprofits—have signed letters opposing the federalization of AI regulations, voicing their fears about the safety risks associated with unchecked AI development.
Sacha Haworth, Executive Director of The Tech Oversight Project, articulated the ongoing struggle over the direction of AI development in America, asserting, “We cannot afford to spend the next decade with Big Tech in the driver’s seat, steering us toward massive job losses, surveillance pricing algorithms that jack up the cost of living, and data centers that are skyrocketing home energy bills.” This confrontation between innovation and safety continues to unfold, leaving room for extensive debate about the best path forward in navigating AI’s complex landscape.