Trump signs executive order targeting state AI laws

AXIOS December 11, 2025
Mackenzie Weinger, Maria Curi

President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order to override state AI laws, setting up high-stakes clashes nationwide and inside his own party.

Why it matters: The president and his AI czar David Sacks are moving aggressively in favor of industry to rein in state regulation of the technology.

• The EO aims to gut state AI laws by launching legal challenges and conditioning federal grants on compliance.
• MAGA populists made a failed last-minute bid to try to shape the executive order, pitching two draft proposals to the White House this week.

What they’re saying: “There’s only going to be one winner here, and that’s probably going to be the U.S. or China. And right now, we’re winning...

Today's Sponsors

Today's Sponsor