Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations

On December 11, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at centralizing regulation of artificial intelligence, effectively barring states from implementing their own laws. This executive order creates a federal framework for AI and grants the Attorney General authority to challenge state regulations that could hinder the U.S. global dominance in AI, as reported by the New York Times.

Trump's administration argues that a singular national policy is essential to prevent the confusion of a patchwork of state laws that could stifle innovation, with Trump stating, "You can't go to 50 different sources".

The order also establishes an AI Litigation Task Force within the Department of Justice to specifically target state laws deemed too restrictive, a move that has drawn bipartisan criticism. Critics, including various civil liberties groups, argue that this could lead to increased power for tech companies and less accountability for potential harms caused by AI, as highlighted by The Guardian.

Trump’s order is seen as a victory for Silicon Valley and AI companies, who have lobbied against stricter regulations, while also raising concerns about the lack of comprehensive federal oversight regarding AI's social and environmental impacts.

Will Scharf, a White House aide, emphasized the necessity of this order to ensure AI's operation under a unified framework, pointing out the potential economic implications if regulations are left to individual states.

Despite support from some tech leaders, opposition from state leaders and consumer advocacy groups indicates a contentious road ahead, with potential legal challenges expected to arise against the executive order, as noted by ABC13 Houston.