- Trump says federal regulations would prevent state-level “patch”
- Lawmakers say states are better positioned to react more quickly
- Trump accused of siding with big tech
A major conflict is developing over whether the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) should block state AI regulations, and President Trump is pushing Republicans to include a nationwide ban on state AI laws in the NDAA.
Trump maintains that a single federal rule would be necessary to avoid a “mosaic of 50 state regulatory regimes.”
In a Truth post, the president wrote: “Overregulation by states threatens to undermine this important ‘engine’ of growth… If we don’t, then China will easily catch us in the AI race.”
Trump advocates for general AI regulations in the US to avoid “mosaic” at the state level
A draft executive order being considered by Trump would penalize states that impose “restrictive” rules on AI with limited funding for broadband.
Republican lawmakers have generally opposed overturning state laws, citing states’ rights and federalism. More than 200 state lawmakers have urged Congress to reject AI preemption, arguing that states are better positioned to act quickly on emerging technology issues.
“A blanket ban on state and local AI and automated regulation of decision systems would abruptly cut off active democratic debate in statehouses and impose a radical pause on policymaking at the very moment communities seek responsive solutions,” they wrote.
Democrats have warned against giving Big Tech a “multi-year holiday” from state oversight.
They warned that the proposed federal preventative measure would prevent states from addressing emerging risks from AI, leaving children, workers, critical infrastructure and the environment at risk.
Although a 99-1 vote rejected the change, Trump has since been criticized for siding with Big Tech.
“Put it in the NDAA, or pass a separate bill, and no one will be able to compete with the United States,” Trump concluded in the Truth post.
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