Donald Trump’s AI Action Plan pushes deregulation, US supremacy and global tech dominance

The White House has introduced an extensive blueprint for artificial intelligence (AI) under President Donald Trump, aimed at transforming the way the United States develops, regulates, and exports AI technologies. This initiative, known as the 'AI Action Plan,' spans 28 pages and outlines strategies to expedite innovation, dismantle regulatory obstacles, and enhance America's role in the global AI landscape. Central to the plan are three key objectives: accelerating AI innovation, bolstering American infrastructure to support these advancements, and leading international diplomatic efforts in the AI sector. The announcement precedes an event in Washington, DC, organized by the Hill and Valley Forum and the All-In Podcast, where Trump is anticipated to speak. Executive orders that align with this initiative are expected to be issued soon. While the plan aligns with bipartisan efforts to sustain US leadership in AI, it also emphasizes the administration's intention to eliminate considerations of diversity, equity, and climate change from federal guidelines. One significant proposal suggests that federal contracts for developers of large language models should only be awarded if they can ensure their systems are 'objective and free from top-down ideological bias,' though specific metrics for measuring objectivity have not been clarified. Additionally, the document advocates for the removal of references to climate change and diversity programs in risk management frameworks, arguing that these considerations detract from the primary national objective in AI. It also proposes withholding funding from states that enact AI regulations perceived as hindering federal initiatives. To encourage rapid innovation, the plan promotes a 'try-first' approach to AI development, particularly within military applications. It calls for the swift integration of AI technologies in the Armed Forces and suggests retraining programs to prepare the workforce for an economy increasingly dominated by AI. Further recommendations include expanding the US power grid, relaxing regulations surrounding the construction of data centers and semiconductor facilities, and addressing existing gaps in export controls for chip manufacturing. Although the administration has recently relaxed restrictions on Nvidia’s sales of advanced chips to China, the plan indicates that selective controls may still be enforced to safeguard national security. Beyond the tech industry and defense, the initiative also proposes investments in AI-driven medical research, enhancements in biosecurity, and the establishment of legal frameworks to tackle misinformation and deepfake technology.