Trump Pushes to Block State AI Regulations, Sparking New Fears Over Safety and Accountability

President Donald Trump is renewing his push to block states from regulating artificial intelligence, circulating a draft executive order that would halt the enforcement of state-level AI laws and replace them with a more lenient national policy. The move is drawing strong criticism from tech safety advocates and lawmakers across party lines who worry it would weaken oversight of one of the fastest-moving technologies in the world.

The draft order, obtained by CNN, directs the attorney general to create an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state regulations and assert federal authority. The move comes as AI tools increasingly influence daily life, from hiring practices and medical decisions to personal communication and law enforcement.

In the absence of federal legislation, several states have begun passing their own laws targeting potentially harmful uses of AI, including deepfake creation, algorithmic bias in hiring, and child safety protections. Critics warn that preempting state regulations would leave consumers more vulnerable and allow AI companies to sidestep accountability.

The draft order mirrors arguments made by some major tech leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who say a patchwork of state laws would slow innovation and threaten America’s global competitiveness. Trump echoed that message on Truth Social this week and also suggested adding similar preemption language to the National Defense Authorization Act.

An earlier Republican attempt to block state AI enforcement was rejected by Congress in July. Despite that setback, the Trump administration later released an AI action plan aimed at scaling back oversight to boost U.S. competitiveness.

Opposition to the new proposal has grown sharply amid rising concerns about AI safety. Reports of AI-fueled delusions, self-harm risks, and unauthorized access by minors have pushed companies like OpenAI and Meta to implement emergency safeguards. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called Trump’s effort blatant federal overreach, saying states must retain the power to protect residents from harmful AI uses, including censorship, intellectual property violations, and threats to public infrastructure.

Democratic Senator Ed Markey also criticized the plan, accusing Trump of siding with tech billionaires. The White House recently hosted a dinner with industry leaders including Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI President Greg Brockman, and investor David Sacks.

Hundreds of civil rights groups, tech worker unions, consumer advocacy organizations, and educational institutions have sent letters to Congress opposing federal preemption of state AI laws. They warn that weakening state-level protections could leave the public defenseless as AI scams rise, children access dangerous content, and psychologists report AI-induced mental health concerns.

Advocates argue that without strong state and federal oversight, AI companies could operate with few consequences, leaving consumers at risk.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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