Trump Aims to Prevent States from Regulating Artificial Intelligence
Trump Moves to Restrict State Oversight of Artificial Intelligence
Key Points
- Draft executive order would prohibit states from independently regulating AI and favor a relaxed federal approach.
- Directs creation of an “AI Litigation Task Force” to challenge and potentially override state-level AI laws.
- Proposal draws sharp criticism from safety advocates and lawmakers who warn it could weaken consumer protections.
- Trump has floated adding a ban on state AI laws to the National Defense Authorization Act; similar measures were previously rejected by Congress.
- Debate reflects tension between innovation, uniform national standards, and public safety/accountability concerns.
Overview
President Donald Trump is preparing a new executive order aimed at prohibiting states from independently regulating artificial intelligence (AI), reigniting debates over safety and accountability in the fast-evolving tech field.
According to a draft seen by CNN, Trump’s proposal directs the U.S. attorney general to form an “AI Litigation Task Force” that would challenge and potentially override state-level AI laws in favor of a more relaxed federal approach. The move comes as AI technology is increasingly integrated into daily life, affecting sectors from healthcare to policing, yet facing limited federal oversight.
Federal Preemption and the Task Force
With Congress yet to enact broad AI legislation, several states have implemented rules addressing concerns such as deepfake technology and discriminatory algorithms in hiring. However, Trump’s push for federal preemption has drawn sharp criticism from safety advocates and lawmakers. They warn that blocking local protections could leave consumers vulnerable and make it easier for tech companies to avoid responsibility if their systems cause harm.
“The policy of the United States is to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance through a minimally burdensome, uniform national policy framework.”
The Legislative Path
Trump has also floated the idea of embedding a ban on state-level AI laws into the National Defense Authorization Act. Congress previously rejected similar Republican-backed proposals, notably voting to remove a lengthy moratorium on state AI enforcement from a recent policy bill.
Industry Views and Safety Concerns
Support for less AI regulation is strong in Silicon Valley, but recent safety concerns have intensified criticism of Trump’s approach. Reports have highlighted risks such as AI-induced delusions and self-harm, with major tech firms scrambling to prevent young people from accessing inappropriate AI-generated content. Though the White House called current reports speculative until an official announcement is made, the language of Trump’s draft mirrors positions held by many in tech, including OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman. Detractors argue that managing various state laws could hamper innovation and America’s competitive edge in the sector.
Bipartisan Pushback
Public opposition has surfaced from across the political spectrum. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis labeled Trump’s plan “federal government overreach” and warned that stopping states from regulating AI would leave the public unprotected against online censorship, child-targeted predatory apps, and resource misuse by data centers. Democratic Senator Ed Markey accused Trump of siding with tech billionaires and attempting to quietly insert an AI regulation ban into the defense bill.
Who’s at the Table
The renewed effort coincides with a recent White House dinner attended by top AI industry figures, including Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and OpenAI President Greg Brockman. This week, hundreds of groups—including labor unions, consumer protection advocates, and educational institutions—sent letters to Congress opposing Trump’s plan and echoing concerns over AI safety.
Advocacy Voices
Alejandra Montoya-Boyer of The Leadership Conference’s Center for Civil Rights and Technology argued the draft order prioritizes corporate interests over public welfare. J.B. Branch, an advocate with Public Citizen, referenced rising AI scams and mental health risks linked to unregulated technology, asserting that blocking state oversight would protect Silicon Valley at the expense of consumers.
What It Means
Trump’s executive order, if finalized, would reshape America’s approach to AI regulation, intensifying the debate over tech innovation versus public safety and accountability. As Congress weighs its next steps, the central question remains whether a uniform federal framework can safeguard consumers while supporting rapid AI advancement—or whether state-level protections are essential guardrails in a high-stakes technological era.
