The Trump administration’s newly released AI Action Plan has ignited concerns across state governments, tech firms, and civil rights groups, as it attempts to centralize AI governance while introducing ideologically charged mandates. Key provisions in the plan aim to discourage state-level AI regulation by tying federal AI-related funding to states deemed “non-burdensome,” without clearly defining what qualifies. Experts warn this ambiguity could jeopardize essential funding — from broadband to education — in states with laws like the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act that seek to curb algorithmic discrimination.
Notably, the plan includes a proposal for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate whether state AI rules obstruct its mandates under the Communications Act of 1934. Critics, including the ACLU and CDT, argue that the FCC lacks jurisdiction over AI and that such authority would distort its traditional role. The concerns are compounded by the administration’s actions to limit FCC independence, including the controversial removal of Democratic commissioners.
Trump also signed three executive orders, including one mandating that federal agencies only procure “truth-seeking” AI systems free of ideological content such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This directive, experts argue, paradoxically imposes a partisan filter on AI models. Companies like OpenAI and xAI, which recently launched government-focused tools, may feel pressure to conform to these political standards — raising the risk of spillover into consumer-facing AI products.
With AI agents increasingly used across government and industry, stakeholders are warning that the administration’s approach could hinder innovation, erode trust in AI neutrality, and lead to regulatory chaos. As legal analysts point out, efforts to federally preempt state AI laws may face significant constitutional challenges — but the short-term impact is already sowing confusion in a fast-evolving AI policy landscape.
Source:
https://www.engadget.com/ai/everyones-a-loser-in-trumps-ai-action-plan-160023247.html?src=rss
