On Thursday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on artificial intelligence, overturning previous government policies deemed obstacles to American AI advancement.
To retain global AI leadership, the order emphasizes the need for AI systems free from ideological bias or manipulative social agendas.
While the order doesn’t specify which policies are hindering AI progress, it mandates a comprehensive review of all related policies, directives, regulations, orders, and actions stemming from former President Biden’s AI executive order (rescinded on Monday). Any conflicting Biden-era actions will be suspended unless they align with Trump’s directive promoting human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.
Last year, the Biden administration mandated that federal agencies demonstrate the safety of their AI tools or cease their use. Trump’s order instructs the White House to revise and reissue these directives, impacting how agencies acquire and utilize AI tools.
The Trump administration contends that Biden’s executive order imposed excessively burdensome requirements on AI developers and deployers, stifling private sector innovation and jeopardizing American technological leadership.
Trump’s order also calls for an AI action plan within 180 days, led by a White House team including a new Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, David Sacks.
Trump repealed Biden’s 2023 AI regulatory framework shortly after his return to the White House.
This action potentially undoes Biden administration efforts—led by then-Vice President Kamala Harris—to mitigate the discriminatory impacts of AI, addressing issues such as biased medical chatbots and discriminatory face recognition technology.
Prior to Thursday, Trump’s intentions regarding a replacement for Biden’s AI policy were unclear. Trump had previously issued AI executive orders, including a 2019 order promoting AI research and development, which remains in effect.
A former Biden administration official criticized Trump’s order as “backward-looking,” suggesting it aims to dismantle helpful initiatives.
She argued that Biden’s AI policies balanced innovation and public protection.
The official questioned which Americans’ rights and safety the Trump administration would prioritize and whether the playing field would remain level for all technologists or only benefit tech billionaires.
Much of Biden’s 2023 order involved government-wide studies on AI’s impact, aiming to ensure AI’s responsible use. This work is largely complete.
A key element rescinded by Trump was a requirement for tech companies to share details of powerful AI models with the government before public release.
The Trump order’s emphasis on “human flourishing” aligns with his campaign promise to overturn Biden’s AI policy and reflects views of his advisor, who has cautioned against “woke AI” reflecting liberal biases.
Americans for Responsible Innovation stated that Trump’s top AI priority is out-innovating the world.
The organization’s executive director described the executive order as a temporary measure pending a comprehensive strategy.
Agencies had already paused work on Biden-era AI policies following Trump’s initial repeal, according to the organization.
The organization characterized the new instruction as unsurprising.