Trump Signs Order to Block State-Level AI Regulations

Washington, DC: In a move aimed at bolstering the US's position in the global AI race, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to centralise the oversight of artificial intelligence at the federal level. The order seeks to prevent individual states from regulating AI, citing concerns that a patchwork of state laws could hinder innovation and undermine the country's competitiveness.

“This will not be successful unless they have one source of approval or disapproval…They can’t go to 50 different sources,” said Trump, who advocates for a deregulated approach to AI. “There’s only going to be one winner here, and that’s probably going to be the US or China and right now, we’re winning by a lot,” Trump added.

The executive order directs federal agencies to block state-level AI regulations, with the goal of creating a single national framework for AI development. The order also establishes an AI Litigation Task Force, which will be responsible for challenging state AI laws deemed inconsistent with federal policy. Additionally, the order threatens to withhold federal funding, including broadband funding, from states that fail to comply with the federal framework.

The order has been welcomed by tech industry leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who argue that a unified federal framework is necessary to promote innovation and competitiveness. However, critics argue that the order undermines state laws designed to protect citizens and could lead to unchecked AI development.

More than 100 AI-related laws have been adopted in about 30 states, covering aspects such as responsible AI development, deepfakes, and transparency. States like California and New York have implemented their own AI regulations, which could be impacted by the executive order.

Photo: AFP