U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he plans to sign an executive order this week to create a single national rule for artificial intelligence. The goal is to replace the growing patchwork of state-level AI regulations, which many industry leaders say makes compliance difficult and slows innovation.
If implemented, the order would be a major win for large technology companies that have maintained strong ties with the White House. However, it is also likely to spark criticism from Democratic and Republican state officials who argue that states must retain the power to protect their residents.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said the country needs “One Rulebook” to maintain leadership in AI. He added that companies cannot be expected to secure approvals from all 50 states every time they launch or update technology.
Although Trump did not provide full details, Reuters previously reported that the administration is considering an order that would challenge state AI laws through legal action and by restricting federal funds to states that impose their own rules.
Major AI developers—including OpenAI, Google, Meta and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz—have urged Washington to adopt national AI standards. They argue that a unified approach would prevent the U.S. from falling behind China, while a 50-state regulatory system could limit progress and increase compliance burdens.
At the same time, state leaders from both political parties insist that local safeguards are essential. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently introduced an AI bill of rights focused on data privacy, parental controls and consumer protections. Other states have passed laws targeting nonconsensual AI-generated imagery, political deepfakes and discriminatory uses of artificial intelligence. In California, major AI developers will soon need to disclose how they plan to mitigate catastrophic risks.
Last month, Trump urged Congress to block state AI laws in an upcoming defense bill. That idea has faced strong resistance from state lawmakers and attorneys general. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson argued that Congress should not obstruct states after failing to set federal protections.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate voted 99–1 against an effort to block state AI regulations, following substantial pushback from consumer groups and state officials.
