tech
January 23, 2026
America’s coming war over AI regulation
In 2026, states will go head to head with the White House’s sweeping executive order.
TL;DR
- President Trump signed an executive order to prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence, aiming for a national policy to boost US competitiveness.
- The executive order directs federal departments to sue states with AI laws conflicting with the administration's vision and to withhold broadband funding from states with 'onerous' laws.
- States like New York and California have enacted AI safety laws, focusing on transparency, bias, and preventing catastrophic harms, despite industry lobbying.
- The battle over AI regulation is expected to move to the courts, with potential legal challenges to Trump's executive order.
- Super PACs, funded by tech moguls and AI-safety advocates, are pouring money into elections to support their preferred AI regulation visions.
- Public anxiety about AI's impact on mental health, jobs, and the environment is increasing demand for regulation.
- Litigation is increasing regarding AI's role in suicides and self-harm, with ongoing lawsuits against companies like Google and Character Technologies.
- States are also moving to pass child safety laws related to chatbots, which may be exempt from federal restrictions.
- Efforts to regulate data centers and address potential job displacement by AI are also emerging at the state level.
- Deep-pocketed tech companies are using super PACs to support candidates advocating for deregulation, while counter-efforts are backing AI regulation proponents.