President Donald Trump is considering an executive order that would limit how individual states can regulate artificial intelligence (AI). This move is part of an ongoing debate about AI policy, which includes differing views on the risks of AI and the best ways to manage them.
The proposed order would task Attorney General Pam Bondi with creating a group focused on state AI legislation. This group would argue that such state laws interfere with the federal government’s authority to regulate commerce. The existence of this draft order was first reported by The Information.
It’s unclear if Trump will sign the order, and the White House has not commented. Supporters of strict federal control, including Senator Ted Cruz and some Silicon Valley investors, argue that allowing states to create their own AI laws could lead to a messy situation for businesses, especially startups.
On the other hand, those favoring state regulations say federal action is too slow. They point to pressing issues that require immediate attention. Many of these advocates want better oversight, even if it means less-than-perfect state laws. For instance, California recently passed a law requiring AI safety disclosures due to growing concerns about the safety of AI technologies.
Expert opinions highlight the importance of a balanced approach. Travis Hall from the Center for Democracy and Technology emphasized that the federal government cannot simply override state laws through an executive order. “Preemption is a question for Congress,” Hall said.
A recent Senate vote showed overwhelming support for keeping state autonomy in AI legislation, with a 99-1 decision against imposing a moratorium on state laws.
Trump recently voiced his belief in having a single federal standard, stating on Truth Social, “We MUST have one Federal Standard instead of a patchwork of 50 State Regulatory Regimes.” He also expressed concerns about the complications of having to navigate different laws across states, especially when some states have more stringent rules.
As the AI landscape evolves rapidly, the conversation around regulation continues to grow. Insights from tech leaders and policymakers will be crucial as we find the right balance between innovation and safety in this transformative field.
