Draft Order Overview

The Trump administration is preparing an executive order that would instruct the Justice Department to take legal action against states enacting artificial intelligence regulations. This initiative was disclosed through a draft order reviewed by The Washington Post and verified by a source familiar with current White House discussions, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of internal deliberations.

Background and Authority Questions

This move follows a failed attempt by congressional Republicans to secure federal legislation that would block individual states from passing their own laws governing AI technologies. The proposed executive order has raised questions about potential conflicts with the legal boundaries of presidential authority, sparking debate over whether such federal intervention could overstep constitutional limits.

State Momentum and Federal Response

State governments have recently increased efforts to legislate AI, citing concerns over privacy, security, and ethical use. The White House draft seeks to curb these independent actions, aiming for uniform federal oversight instead. If signed, the order would mark a significant escalation in the federal government’s response to state-level technology regulation, likely leading to court battles that could define the balance of power over emerging AI policies.

What’s Next

White House officials have not commented publicly on the draft, and the proposal’s future remains uncertain. However, its existence underscores growing friction between federal and state governments as AI becomes more integrated into daily life and the economy.