Former President Donald Trump's push to override state AI laws has hit a pause. Reuters reports a planned executive order has been shelved. The order aimed to create a federal task force to legally challenge state-level AI regulations.
This effort follows a failed attempt to ban state AI rules in a broader bill. The administration argued for a single federal standard. The move directly targets active legislation in states like California.
The drafted executive order proposed an "AI Litigation Task Force." Its mission was to file lawsuits against states with AI laws. According to reports, it also considered tying federal broadband funds to compliance.
This legal strategy was a new approach. An earlier 10-year ban on state regulation was soundly defeated in the Senate. The new tactic aimed to achieve a similar goal through the courts.
The pause suggests internal debate or anticipated legal hurdles. Such an order would likely face immediate court challenges. Several Republican lawmakers had already criticized the earlier moratorium proposal.
The battle over AI regulation reveals a deep political and industry split. Some in Silicon Valley align with the push for federal preemption. Others, including companies like Anthropic, have supported state safety bills.
California's SB 53 has been a particular flashpoint. The proposed state law would impose strict safety standards. Proponents argue states must act where federal government has not.
The halted order leaves the regulatory landscape uncertain. States may continue advancing their own AI rules. The fundamental conflict between state and federal authority remains unresolved.