Statement on Trump’s Executive Order on Blocking State AI Laws

WASHINGTON—Third Way’s Director of Technology, Ruth Whittaker, issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s Executive Order blocking state AI laws.

“The only responsible path forward for AI policy is for Congress to establish a durable, bipartisan set of safety standards overseeing the development of AI. Only then can we address the patchwork of state laws. Without a framework in place, bulldozing state protections lets foreign regulators set the rules and makes Americans less secure.

“Today’s Executive Order overrides the will of the voters, state legislatures and even Congress by attempting to unilaterally eliminate AI safeguards by withholding BEAD funding and other federal resources. Weaponizing broadband funding to punish states' good faith efforts to protect their residents is yet another abuse of executive power from the most overreaching presidency in modern times. 

“Make no mistake, by proceeding with this Executive Order, the Trump Administration will slow innovation by miring AI policy in legal disputes and leaving American innovators and customers without clear rules.”