The order mandates the creation of a federal task force to override state AI laws, sparking debate over innovation and safety.

Fresh from signing a “Genesis Mission” executive order to supercharge AI intelligence research, Donald Trump has prepared a draft executive order aimed at preventing individual states from enacting their own regulations on AI.

The initiative seeks to create an AI Litigation Task Force led by the US Attorney General to contest and overturn state AI laws, favoring a more permissive federal regulatory framework. The move, although still in draft stage, has drawn significant concern from technology safety advocates and bipartisan state legislators.

This move comes as AI technology rapidly integrates into numerous aspects of everyday life with limited federal oversight currently in place. In the absence of comprehensive national regulation, various states have introduced laws to address issues such as deceptive deepfakes and algorithmic bias in employment.

Supporters of the executive order, including some in the tech industry, argue that a fragmented regulatory landscape would hurt innovation and America’s position in global AI competition. The draft order emphasizes the goal of maintaining US dominance in AI by establishing a uniform, less burdensome set of regulations. There is also a plan to embed language restricting state AI laws into the National Defense Authorization Act, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on AI as a strategic priority. Critics warn that preempting federal oversight could leave consumers without protection and reduce accountability for AI firms whose products cause harm.

The proposal faces resistance from various quarters:

  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called it a federal overreach that could impede states’ ability to guard against online censorship, child exploitation, and cybersecurity risks.
  • Democratic Senator Ed Markey has accused the Republicans of favoring Big Tech interests over public safety.

The renewed federal push coincides with Trump hosting AI sector leaders at the White House, including prominent tech executives. Hundreds of organizations, including labor unions and consumer protection groups, have petitioned Congress to reject efforts that would block state AI regulations, warning about growing safety risks such as AI-enabled scams, psychological harm to children, and lack of corporate accountability.