Republicans once again thwart Trump’s push to block state AI laws

A recent effort backed by Donald Trump to establish a federal law preventing states from enacting their own AI regulations has encountered significant resistance in Congress. The proposal aimed to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) but was ultimately rejected, as reported by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) on Tuesday. Several Republican lawmakers have expressed their disagreement with Trump's move, arguing that allowing states to regulate AI as needed is essential for addressing emerging risks. This division within the party has led to a lack of unified support for Trump's initiative, which he argues is necessary to prevent a fragmented regulatory environment that could stifle innovation. For months, Trump has urged the Republican-majority Congress to act against state AI laws, claiming these regulations could hinder the progress of AI companies. However, his calls have not gained the traction he hoped for, as evidenced by previous votes against similar measures in other legislation, including the so-called “Big Beautiful” budget bill. Key Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Alabama Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have voiced their opposition to including the AI preemption in the NDAA. Despite the setback, Scalise indicated that the pursuit of a federal standard is not abandoned. He acknowledged the backlash against including the measure in the defense bill and noted that Republicans will explore alternative avenues to advance it in the future. Trump has been vocal about the need for a single federal standard, warning that without it, the United States risks falling behind in the global AI competition, particularly against China. In a statement on Truth Social last month, he emphasized the urgency of the matter, urging Congress to either incorporate the measure into the NDAA or pass it separately to maintain American competitiveness in AI development.