On Wednesday, Donald Trump unveiled “America’s AI Action Plan,” encompassing over 90 policy recommendations aimed at keeping the nation competitive in the rapidly evolving realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Among these recommendations are strategies to relax regulations related to data center development and to promote swift adoption of AI technology across various sectors. David Sacks, the White House AI czar, emphasized, “We believe we’re in an AI race. We want the United States to win that race.”
This 23-page document is organized around three main pillars deemed essential by the Trump administration to expedite AI advancement: “Accelerate AI Innovation,” “Build American AI Infrastructure,” and “Lead in International AI Diplomacy and Security.” Trump is set to initiate this action plan by signing several executive orders, which include a framework to utilize the US International Development Finance Corporation and the Export-Import Bank to ensure American technology is promoted globally. Additionally, there will be a directive mandating that large language models employed by the federal government maintain neutrality and “unbiased” attributes.
At its core, Trump’s plan significantly focuses on deregulation. It proposes to “reject radical climate dogma and bureaucratic red tape” that could hinder the expansion of AI infrastructure, which involves constructing data centers and related power plants. Notably, these power plants can be coal-powered, a stance Trump has already backed.
Moreover, this action plan also addresses state-level AI legislation. Although a previous attempt to implement a ten-year ban on state regulations was removed from the One Big, Beautiful Bill, the current plan insists that federal funding be withheld from any state enacting “burdensome AI regulations.” The lack of clarity surrounding what constitutes as burdensome opens the door for federal oversight to enforce this directive. The plan further tasks the Federal Communications Commission with evaluating whether state AI regulations interfere with its obligations under the Communications Act of 1934.
In contrast to earlier policies, the Action Plan seeks to overturn some of the limited AI regulations set forth by the Biden administration. While Biden enacted a single executive order focused on AI, it aimed at preparing federal agencies to tackle emerging technological concerns. Trump’s vision reverses this trend by calling for a reassessment of all Federal Trade Commission investigations triggered under the previous administration, aiming to safeguard AI innovation from onerous liability theories. Moreover, the Trump administration plans to revisit the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s AI Risk Management Framework to remove references related to misinformation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change.
One positive takeaway from the Action Plan is the call for AI models to be open-sourced, which could promote transparency and innovation. However, the overall sentiment suggests minimal regulatory frameworks for AI companies, raising concerns about insufficient public protection and federal engagement in assessing potential risks.
How will Trump’s AI action plan influence the tech landscape? By significantly rolling back regulations, this plan could offer tech companies greater freedom to innovate while also raising questions about accountability and public safety.
Could there be long-term implications for AI infrastructure? Yes, the push for expanded data centers and lax regulations may accelerate AI advancements but could also strain existing resources and infrastructure.
What is the government’s stance on state regulations regarding AI? The federal government intends to enforce its will on state regulations by withholding funding for those deemed “burdensome,” raising concerns about local governance.
What kind of public input is involved in the AI development process? Currently, the plan does not emphasize public engagement, which may lead to a disconnect between tech innovations and societal impacts.
Could this plan shift global AI leadership? If successful, the initiatives outlined may position the U.S. as a leader in AI development, but their effectiveness will depend on implementation and international factors.
The implications of America’s AI Action Plan are profound and multifaceted, affecting not only the future of technology in the U.S. but also the nation’s position in the global tech arena. To stay updated and explore more about the intersection of AI and policy, continue reading our content at Moyens I/O.