President Donald Trump signed a new executive order on artificial intelligence on Thursday, marking a significant shift in the United States' AI policy. The order revokes previous government policies that Trump claims "act as barriers to American AI innovation." The administration aims to promote "human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security" through this initiative.
The executive order directs the White House to update and reissue guidelines on the acquisition and use of AI tools by federal agencies. It mandates a comprehensive review of "all policies, directives, regulations, orders, and other actions taken" as a result of former President Joe Biden's AI executive order from 2023. This strategic overhaul seeks to develop an AI action plan within the next 180 days.
A notable element of the order is the creation of a new role, Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, to be led by venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks. This move underscores the Trump administration's commitment to fostering American innovation and maintaining global leadership in AI technology.
The newly signed order comes in the wake of Trump's return to the White House on Monday, where he promptly repealed Biden's 2023 guardrails for rapidly evolving AI technology. Trump's administration views these previous policies as impediments to technological progress.
“act as barriers to American AI innovation.” – President Donald Trump
The Biden administration had required federal agencies to demonstrate that their AI tools were not harmful to the public or cease their use. In contrast, Trump's policy is seen as a reversal of efforts to curb AI tools that may amplify gender or racial bias. While the order does not specify which existing policies hinder AI development, it sets out a review of all related policies.
“established unnecessarily burdensome requirements for companies developing and deploying AI that would stifle private sector innovation and threaten American technological leadership.” – Trump administration
The Trump administration's AI policy emphasizes out-innovating other nations and preventing "ideological bias or engineered social agendas." This approach stands in stark contrast to Biden's focus on balancing innovation with public safety.
“promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.” – President Donald Trump
Critics of Trump's executive order argue that it may undermine protections established by the previous administration. Alondra Nelson expressed concern about the potential impact on public welfare.
“that are already helping people, with an implicit intent to unwind them.” – Alondra Nelson
Nelson also warned of possible inequalities in the protection of Americans' rights and safety in the age of AI.
“In 60 days, we’ll know which Americans’ rights and safety the Trump Administration believes deserves to be protected in the age of AI, and if there will be a level playing field for every technologist, developer, and innovator or just the tech billionaires” – Alondra Nelson
Eric Gastfriend noted that while the executive order sets a new direction for AI policy, it serves as an interim measure until a comprehensive strategy is fully developed.
“Today’s executive order is a placeholder until the administration has a chance to develop a full strategy for executing that vision” – Eric Gastfriend
Gastfriend highlighted Trump's dedication to outperforming other nations in technological advancements.
“made it clear from day one that his top priority on AI is out-innovating the rest of the world” – Eric Gastfriend
