Signs executive order blocking states from regulating artificial intelligence

Trump signed an executive order titled "Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence" that aims to preempt state AI regulations. The order creates an AI Litigation Task Force within the Justice Department to sue states over their AI laws, directs federal agencies to circumvent state rules, and instructs the Commerce Secretary to study withholding rural broadband funding from states with unfavorable AI laws. Legal experts told NPR the order lacks constitutional authority because "states are, in fact, allowed to regulate interstate commerce" and can pass independent laws. Even GOP officials including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged that only Congress—not an executive order—can preempt state authority. Critics characterized the move as an attempt to bypass Congress and undermine federalism to benefit the AI industry.