White House pulls back on AI laws executive order

States can make their own AI laws, for now.
 By 
Alex Perry
 on 
President Donald Trump
No AI executive order for now. Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images

U.S. states can craft their own AI regulations without intervention from the federal government, for now, at least.

Reuters reported that the Trump administration has paused a proposed executive order that would have preempted states from enacting their own AI laws. The draft order became a matter of public concern early last week, but the White House called it purely speculation and did not confirm its existence to Reuters. At this point, it appears that the federal government's efforts to block states from regulating AI on their own terms are at a standstill.

That doesn't mean Trump and co. won't try again, of course. The Senate had to vote down a similar measure earlier this year by a staggering 99-1 count. The executive order that was paused last week would have used lawsuits and threats to withdraw federal funding and prevent states from regulating AI.


You May Also Like

It is very possible that Trump will try to find another way to prevent states from drafting their own AI laws, especially considering that companies like OpenAI and Google support such an idea, according to Reuters.

journalist alex perry looking at a smartphone
Alex Perry
Tech Reporter

Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

Trump's new White House app is a security and privacy nightmare
President Donald Trump at the White House

White House adds AI-produced tears to image of arrested protestor
The arrest of Minnesota activist Nekima Levy Armstrong


White House uses 'Call of Duty' clips to brag about war in Iran
President Trump grimaces in front of a U.S. flag.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

The Earth is glowing in new Artemis II pictures of home
One half of the Earth is seen floating in space through the open door of the Orion spacecraft.


NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!