Trump administration pushes for pro-AI shift in US federal agencies
Agencies are now required to appoint chief AI officers, craft generative AI strategies, and prioritise American-made tech, signalling a decisive shift toward AI-driven governance under President Trump.
The White House announced on Monday a shift in how US federal agencies will approach AI, prioritising innovation over the stricter regulatory framework previously established under President Biden.
A new memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget instructs agencies to appoint chief AI officers and craft policies to expand the use of AI technologies across government operations.
This pivot includes repealing two Biden-era directives emphasising transparency and safeguards against AI misuse.
The earlier rules required federal agencies to implement protective measures for civil rights and limit unchecked acquisition of AI tools.
These protections have now been replaced with a call for a more ‘forward-leaning and pro-innovation’ stance, removing what the current administration views as excessive bureaucratic constraints.
Federal agencies are now expected to develop AI strategies within six months. These plans must identify barriers to responsible AI implementation and improve how the technology is used enterprise-wide.
The administration also encouraged the development of specific policies for generative AI, emphasising maximising the use of American-made solutions and enhancing interoperability between systems.
The policy change is part of President Trump’s broader rollback of previous AI governance, including his earlier revocation of a 2023 executive order signed by Biden that required developers to disclose sensitive training data.
The new framework aims to streamline AI procurement processes and eliminate what the administration labels unnecessary reporting burdens while still maintaining basic privacy protections.
Federal agencies have already begun integrating AI into their operations. The Federal Aviation Administration, for example, has applied machine learning to analyse safety reports and identify emerging aviation risks.
Under the new guidelines, such initiatives are expected to accelerate, signalling a broader federal embrace of AI across sectors.
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