US president blocks state-level enforcement of artificial intelligence rules
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order preventing individual states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence regulations, arguing that oversight should be set at the federal level. The move has reopened debate over the balance between national coordination, state authority, and consumer protection in the governance of emerging technologies.
United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at stopping individual US states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. The order reflects the administration’s position that AI oversight should be handled through a single federal framework rather than a patchwork of state-level rules.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said a national approach would reduce regulatory fragmentation and provide clearer conditions for innovation. His AI adviser, David Sacks, indicated that the administration intends to challenge state laws it considers overly restrictive, while leaving room for measures related to child safety.
The decision has been welcomed by major technology companies and industry groups, which have repeatedly warned that divergent state regulations could slow innovation and complicate compliance. Supporters argue that a unified federal framework would provide legal certainty for companies investing heavily in AI development and help maintain the United States’ competitive position globally, particularly in relation to China.
The order has also drawn criticism from several states that have moved ahead with their own AI laws. California Governor Gavin Newsom said the move undermines state-level protections, pointing to California legislation that requires large AI developers to assess and address potential risks linked to their systems. New York and Colorado have similarly adopted AI-related measures, citing the absence of comprehensive federal safeguards.
Critics of the executive order warn that preventing states from acting could leave regulatory gaps if federal rules are delayed or lack substance. Legal experts have noted that a national framework will only be effective if it includes enforceable standards and meaningful protections for consumers and affected communities. Despite these concerns, technology lobby groups have expressed support for the order and signalled their willingness to engage with the White House and Congress on the development of nationwide AI rules.
