Trump Signs Executive Order to Unify US AI Regulations, Overriding State Laws

President Donald Trump signed a major executive order on Thursday. The order creates a single national framework for artificial intelligence companies. This action directly overrides state-level AI regulations.

US President Donald Trump (C) and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick (R) listen as US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) (L) speaks during a signing ceremony on AI the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 11, 2025. (Photo by Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)

The White House called many state rules “onerous.” This move centralizes regulatory approval for the booming AI sector.

A Pushback Against Patchwork State Laws

The order aims to stop a patchwork of state laws. According to Reuters, Trump stated the need for “one central source of approval.” He was flanked by advisors like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

This has been a long-term goal for the administration. They argue varying state laws hurt innovation and national competitiveness. Democratic-led states like New York and California have pursued their own AI bills.

Industry Applauds, States Face New Hurdles

White House AI czar David O. Sacks explained the order’s power. It gives AI companies tools to challenge restrictive state regulations. The industry has lobbied heavily for this federal preemption.

Major firms like Google and OpenAI support the order. They argue disparate state rules are detrimental. The administration warns that overregulation could undermine the US economy’s growth.

New York’s RAISE Act is a prime target. It awaits the governor’s signature and would mandate safety protocols. A new AI industry super PAC is already targeting the bill’s sponsors.

This federal preemption marks a pivotal shift in US tech governance. The Trump AI executive order sets a national standard, aiming to accelerate innovation while curtailing state power. The battle over AI’s future is now firmly a federal matter.

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What does Trump’s AI executive order do?

It establishes a single national regulatory framework for AI companies. The order overrides existing and proposed state-level AI regulations, centralizing approval at the federal level.

Which states were creating their own AI laws?

States like California, Colorado, and New York were active. New York’s RAISE Act, requiring safety protocols for advanced AI models, is a key example cited by the administration.

How is the AI industry reacting?

Major companies like Google and OpenAI support the order. They have lobbied against state laws, arguing a patchwork of rules harms US competitiveness in the global AI race.

What is the ‘Leading the Future’ PAC?

It is a political action committee backed by tech investors. The PAC plans to spend heavily in the 2026 elections, partly to oppose state AI regulations it deems harmful.

Why did Trump act on this now?

The administration views state regulations as a threat to economic growth and innovation. They argue a unified federal standard is necessary to maintain the US lead in artificial intelligence development.