In a move to reshape the United States’ artificial intelligence (AI) policy, President Donald Trump has revoked the Biden administration’s executive order on AI governance.
The Trump administration has instead replaced it with a new directive aimed at prioritizing American dominance in the field.
The executive order, titled Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence, marks a sharp departure from previous federal AI oversight by focusing on deregulation and reducing government intervention.
A Radical Shift in AI Governance
President Trump’s new AI policy is strikingly different from the more detailed framework introduced under the Biden administration.
The now-revoked Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence executive order had emphasized AI security, risk management, privacy protections, and the appointment of Chief AI Officers within federal agencies.
By contrast, the Trump administration’s AI directive is brief and direct:
“It is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.”
The move aligns with the Republican Party’s stance on AI, which prioritizes free-market innovation and opposes perceived governmental overreach in technology regulation.
Dismantling Federal AI Oversight
The executive order grants federal agencies 180 days to identify and eliminate any policies enacted under Biden’s AI governance framework that may be viewed as regulatory obstacles.
Agencies have been directed to suspend, revise, or rescind Biden-era AI regulations where legally feasible. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will also be revising its guidance to align with the Trump administration’s new standards.
Additionally, the White House has appointed former PayPal executive David Sacks as the administration’s AI and cryptocurrency czar. Sacks, a vocal critic of Big Tech and online censorship, is expected to play a key role in shaping the government’s AI policies.
As part of its AI agenda, the Trump administration has also unveiled an ambitious initiative dubbed Project Stargate, aimed at revolutionizing U.S. technological development.
While details remain scarce, concerns have already emerged regarding the project’s financial viability and potential regulatory impact.
Legal and Industry Implications
The rollback of AI governance measures raises questions about the future of ethical AI standards, privacy protections, and security protocols.
With federal oversight being significantly reduced, legal experts anticipate that states and private sector stakeholders may step in to fill the regulatory void.
As the AI landscape rapidly evolves, the legal community will be closely monitoring how the administration’s deregulatory approach shapes industry practices, consumer protections, and national security concerns in the years ahead.
