‘ONE RULE’: Trump says he’ll sign an executive order blocking state AI laws despite bipartisan pushback

In a bold move, President Donald Trump announced his intention to sign an executive order this week that seeks to restrict states from establishing their own regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. "I will be doing a ONE RULE Executive Order this week," Trump declared on social media, emphasizing the need for a unified regulatory framework. "You can’t expect a company to get 50 approvals every time they want to do something," he added. Trump further stated, "There must be only one rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI," warning that the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge against other countries if states are allowed to impose their varying regulations. His comments come in the wake of a failed attempt in the Senate to prevent states from independently regulating AI, as Congress struggled to reach a consensus. The rapid evolution of AI technologies and the absence of comprehensive federal consumer protections have prompted many states to implement their own laws. Notably, California has introduced the AI safety and transparency bill SB 53, while Tennessee has enacted the ELVIS Act to safeguard musicians against unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes. Tech leaders from Silicon Valley, including OpenAI President Greg Brockman and White House ‘AI czar’ David Sacks, argue that state regulations could create a chaotic patchwork of laws that hinder innovation and jeopardize the U.S.’s leadership in AI development. Proponents of state rights contend that claims of state laws threatening AI progress are unfounded. Trump's forthcoming executive order, details of which were leaked earlier, proposes establishing an “AI Litigation Task Force” to contest state AI regulations in court. It would also instruct federal agencies to assess state laws considered burdensome and promote national standards that would take precedence over state regulations. Additionally, the order could grant Sacks significant influence over AI policy, challenging the traditional role of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Critics, including New York Assembly member Alex Bores, have voiced concerns that such an order favors tech billionaires while neglecting the associated risks to public safety and jobs. The idea of limiting state regulatory powers has faced bipartisan disapproval in Congress, with previous proposals for a federal AI moratorium being overwhelmingly rejected. Republican voices, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Gov. Ron DeSantis, have expressed opposition to federal overreach, advocating for states' rights to legislate in the interest of their citizens. DeSantis has raised concerns regarding the economic impact of data centers and the importance of local governance in managing the rise of AI technology. As discussions continue, a bipartisan coalition of over 35 state attorneys general has cautioned Congress that undermining state AI laws could lead to severe negative outcomes. This sentiment is echoed by more than 200 state lawmakers who have publicly opposed federal preemption, stressing the need for proper safety measures in AI development.