Trump tries to block state AI laws himself after Congress decided not to
President Trump issued an executive order yesterday attempting to thwart state AI laws, saying that federal agencies must fight state laws because Congress hasn't yet implemented a national AI standard. Trump's executive order tells the Justice Department, Commerce Department, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and other federal agencies to take a variety of actions.
My Administration must act with the Congress to ensure that there is a minimally burdensome national standard-not 50 discordant State ones. The resulting framework must forbid State laws that conflict with the policy set forth in this order... Until such a national standard exists, however, it is imperative that my Administration takes action to check the most onerous and excessive laws emerging from the States that threaten to stymie innovation," Trump's order said. The order claims that state laws, such as one passed in Colorado, are increasingly responsible for requiring entities to embed ideological bias within models."
Congressional Republicans recently decided not to include a Trump-backed plan to block state AI laws in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), although it could be included in other legislation. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has also failed to get congressional backing for legislation that would punish states with AI laws.