Trump signs executive order to counter state-level AI regulation

U.S. President Trump signed an executive order aimed at limiting state regulation of artificial intelligence. The order directs the Department of Justice to establish an AI litigation working group to challenge state AI laws, the Department of Commerce to compile a list of state laws that conflict with AI leadership goals and to tie BEAD program funding to assessments of state regulatory environments, the FCC to initiate a proceeding to consider federal reporting and disclosure standards that preempt state laws, the FTC to issue a policy statement, and the AI and crypto special advisor to propose legislation for a unified federal framework. The final signed version carves out exemptions for child safety laws, data center-related laws, and state procurement and use of AI. White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks said state legislatures have introduced over 1,000 AI bills, with more than 100 passed. Tech companies and industry groups expressed support, while the ACLU and Public Citizen criticized the order.