Trump signs executive order for single national AI regulation framework

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday issuing a single regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, undermining the power of individual states.

The Trump administration, with the help of AI and crypto czar David Sacks, is pursuing a path that would allow federal rules to preempt state regulations on AI; This is intended to prevent large Democratic-led states such as California and New York from exercising their control over the growing industry.

There is a growing debate about artificial intelligence, especially regarding the increasing number of individual state laws that may conflict with a federal standard.

The move marks a victory for tech companies that have challenged government rights when it comes to regulation of artificial intelligence.

AI companies are stepping up their lobbying efforts, opening offices near the Capitol and launching campaigns through a super PAC with at least $100 million to spend for the 2026 midterm elections.

States across the country are passing legislation regarding artificial intelligence. States such as Colorado and California have proposed bills requiring risk assessments and disclosures related to AI. OpenAI, Andreessen Horowitz and Google are among the companies lobbying to block state laws regulating artificial intelligence, arguing that piecemeal nationwide regulation would hinder the United States’ ability to compete in the global AI race.

A draft version of a proposed executive order emerged last month, proposing a single federal standard on AI “rather than a patchwork of 50 State Regulatory Regimes.”

Sacks and tech investor and podcaster Chamath Palihapitiya joined Trump at the signing. Following Trump’s election, Sacks was appointed as the White House’s AI and “Crypto Czar” to guide administration policy; Palihapitiya, for his part, maintains high-level access to White House leadership as a vocal supporter.

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