US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at preventing individual states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations, consolidating federal authority over the fast-growing industry.
“We want to have one central source of approval,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday.
White House AI adviser David Sacks said the order gives the administration tools to push back on what it considers “onerous” state rules, while emphasizing that regulations focused on children’s safety would remain unaffected.
Tech Giants Back Federal Oversight
The move is seen as a win for technology companies advocating for nationwide AI legislation. Industry leaders have warned that a patchwork of state rules could slow innovation and hinder the US in its race against China, as companies invest billions in AI development.
The BBC has reached out to AI firms OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Anthropic for comment.
States Push Back
The executive order has drawn immediate criticism from states with existing AI regulations, particularly California. The state, home to many major technology companies, has implemented its own rules earlier this year requiring AI developers to outline plans to limit risks associated with their models.
Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal Trump critic, condemned the order in a statement, calling it a “grift” that attempts to enrich the president and his associates while undermining state protections against unregulated AI.
Other states, including Colorado and New York, have also passed legislation governing AI development, with proponents arguing that state-level safeguards are necessary in the absence of comprehensive federal rules.
“Stripping states from enacting their own AI safeguards undermines states’ basic rights to establish sufficient guardrails to protect their residents,” said Julie Scelfo from advocacy group Mothers Against Media Addiction.
The announcement highlights growing tension between federal and state authorities over AI governance, as lawmakers, regulators, and companies navigate the challenges of one of the fastest-evolving technologies in the world.
