Trump Signs Order to Challenge State AI Regulations

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on December 12, 2025, establishing a national policy framework for artificial intelligence to increase U.S. competitiveness against China and protect innovation from inconsistent state laws. The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to create an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state AI laws deemed unconstitutional or unlawful. Additionally, the Secretary of Commerce must evaluate state laws that conflict with national priorities and withhold non-deployment Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding from non-compliant states.

Other federal agencies are instructed to make the absence of conflicting state laws a condition for receiving certain discretionary grants. White House AI advisor Sriram Krishnan stated the administration intends to push back on state laws he characterized as doomer laws.

While venture firms like Andreessen Horowitz support the move, Democratic lawmakers and consumer advocacy groups have challenged its legality. Senator Amy Klobuchar argued the approach is likely illegal and warns against removing existing safety protections. Public Citizen described the order as a reward to Big Tech and a violation of federalist principles. State officials in California and Colorado expressed skepticism or intent to ignore the order, citing the importance of their anti-discrimination and safety protocol laws.