Trump Signs Order to Centralize AI Regulation at Federal Level

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to block state-level artificial intelligence regulations and establish federal standards for the technology.

"AI companies want to do business in America, and we have massive investments coming," Trump said at a signing ceremony at the White House on Sunday. "But if they have to get different approvals from 50 states, that's not going to happen."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who attended the event, emphasized the national security implications. "AI is a win-or-lose competition with China," Bessent said. "Even if we have Golden Dome (the U.S. homeland missile defense system), if Chinese AI can bypass it, all this money spent on defense is useless."

Trump said he believes the executive order "has strong support from Republicans and will also gain Democratic support." However, pushback is expected from states where Democrats control state governments and legislatures.

The New York Times reported that the executive order "has sparked broad bipartisan opposition," with legal experts noting that state governments and consumer groups may pursue legal action, arguing that only Congress has the authority to invalidate state laws.