HARRISBURG — President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the Attorney General to establish a task force to challenge state artificial intelligence (AI) laws considered more than minimally burdensome. The order also instructed the Department of Commerce to compile a list of state regulations deemed problematic.

President Trump warned state governments against regulating artificial intelligence. He previously designated AI as a top national and economic security priority. The U.S. Congress has not enacted federal regulation of artificial intelligence, but multiple state legislatures are introducing bills to regulate AI interactions with children, employer use of AI, and developer safety protocols.

The White House stated it would not target state laws designed to prevent fraud or protect consumers and children. The executive order included provisions to potentially restrict federal broadband and grant funding to states that enact AI regulations. Despite this, the White House has not initiated litigation against a state AI law nor withheld federal funding to enforce the executive order.

The administration released a national policy framework urging Congress to preempt state AI laws and pass federal legislation addressing child protection, intellectual property rights, and free speech. The White House stated it is eager to collaborate with partners to implement its policy framework. Justine Gluck, policy director at the Future of Privacy Forum, noted that more AI regulation bills have been introduced in state legislatures this year compared to last year, including proposals from Republican lawmakers.

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez said that President Trump indicated federal authority should exclusively handle AI regulation. However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis opposed this position, citing a lack of federal action. Several state governors have vetoed or derailed earlier AI regulation bills, expressing concerns that the measures would hinder industry development. Legislative progress in Utah on an AI bill modeled after New York and California laws stalled after the White House issued a memo stating opposition to the legislation.

No independent assessment of Donald Trump’s claims was available.