President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at preventing individual states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. The action has been described by the administration as a measure to consolidate AI oversight at the federal level.
Administration's Rationale
White House AI adviser David Sacks stated that the executive order provides the administration with tools to address state regulations considered "onerous," while clarifying that regulations focused on children's safety would not be opposed. President Trump articulated the objective as establishing "one central source of approval" for AI governance. Technology companies, including major AI developers like OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Anthropic, have expressed a preference for national AI legislation. They argue that a patchwork of state-level rules could hinder innovation and affect the United States' competitive standing in the global AI industry, particularly in relation to China.
State Response and Opposition
The executive order has encountered opposition. California, a significant center for technology companies, has existing AI regulations. Governor Gavin Newsom of California issued a statement criticizing the executive order, asserting that it attempts to preempt state laws designed to protect residents from unregulated AI technology. Earlier in the year, Governor Newsom signed a bill requiring large AI developers to submit plans for mitigating risks associated with their AI models. Other states, including Colorado and New York, have also passed legislation regulating AI development. Critics of the executive order maintain that state laws are necessary, especially in the absence of comprehensive federal safeguards. Julie Scelfo of Mothers Against Media Addiction stated that preventing states from enacting their own AI safeguards "undermines states' basic rights to establish sufficient guardrails to protect their residents."