Trump Signs Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations

According to Associated Press, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 11 December 2025 aimed at blocking states from crafting their own regulations for artificial intelligence, arguing that a patchwork of rules could stifle the industry while competing with China. The order directs the Attorney General to create a new task force to challenge state laws and directs the Commerce Department to draw up a list of problematic regulations.

It also threatens to restrict funding from a broadband deployment programme and other grant schemes to states with AI laws. Four states—Colorado, California, Utah and Texas—have passed laws setting some AI rules across the private sector, though those laws vary and include measures on transparency and data collection, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals. The move has drawn notes from venture investors and policymakers about balancing innovation with safeguards as the AI landscape evolves.