The re-election of Donald Trump poses significant impacts on American AI policy, drawing from his administration’s past actions.
- Trump’s history of executive orders on AI underscores his focus on maintaining U.S. leadership in technology.
- His platform emphasizes undoing past Biden-era orders to foster innovation through specific AI sector approaches.
- Federal pre-emption of state-level AI regulations may occur, mirroring the UK’s pro-innovation model.
- Enhancing American dominance in global AI, particularly against China, remains a core priority.
During Donald Trump’s first presidential term, he introduced several executive orders focused on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the United States’ leadership in this sector. An executive order in 2019 titled ‘Maintaining American Leadership In Artificial Intelligence’ was followed by another in 2020, aimed at promoting ‘Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government.’ These actions highlight a consistent pro-American technology stance, aligning with the broad support Trump received from the tech sector throughout his campaign.
In Trump’s current platform, there is a clear intention to reverse executive orders from the Biden administration that are perceived as hindering AI innovation. Notably, Trump has described these orders as imposing ‘Radical Leftwing ideas’ on AI development. By focusing on specific use-case and sector-specific approaches, an early retraction of these orders is anticipated.
As many Democrat-led states begin crafting AI regulations in response to Trump’s presidency, there is a parallel push towards federal pre-emption in these matters. The scenario is reminiscent of the failed California bill SB 1047, which aimed to introduce stricter AI regulations. This movement suggests a potential alignment with the UK’s pro-innovation approach, minimizing state-level regulatory fragmentation.
The potential for questioning the role and funding of the American AI Safety Initiative (AISI) under Trump’s administration is significant. While the AISI may continue, its political support and funding are likely to diminish.
American dominance in the international AI arena, especially in relation to China, is likely to see increased focus. Efforts to expand export controls on China’s AI industry are expected, alongside domestic investments to bolster AI research and development. There is also a strategic interest in integrating AI into national defense, facilitating better resource management through enhanced data center capabilities and energy resource availability.
Although not the primary focus, there is a possibility that AI and technology could be leveraged to streamline the U.S. public sector by reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. This approach could also lead to a more efficient government structure, though it remains a secondary concern.
Trump’s AI policy initiatives appear poised to reshape America’s role in the global AI landscape, with key shifts in regulatory approaches and international competition.
