Trump administration might not fight state AI regulations after all

Posted: The Trump administration has been targeting state-level AI regulation, with the president declaring ina social media postthis week that the industry needs “one Federal Standard instead of a patchwork of 50 State Regulatory Regimes.” This comes after a 10-year ban on state AI regulation was initially included in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” before ultimately gettingremoved by the Senatein a 99-1 vote. The idea then apparently took on a new form, with the administrationreportedly drafting an executive orderthat would establish an AI Litigation Task Force with a mission to challenge state AI laws through lawsuits. States with contested AI laws would also reportedly be threatened with the loss of federal broadband funding. Now, Reuters reports thatthe executive order has been put on hold. If signed, the order would probably face significant opposition, including fromRepublicans who previously criticizedthe proposed moratorium on state regulation. AI regulation has also been a controversial topic in Silicon Valley, with some industry figures — especially those in the Trump administration —attacking companies like Anthropicfor supporting AI safety bills, includingCalifornia’s SB 53. Topics StrictlyVC concludes its 2025 series with an exclusive event featuring insights from leading VCs and builders such as Pat Gelsinger, Mina Fahmi, and more. Plus, opportunities to forge meaningful connections. Subscribe for the industry’s biggest tech news Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage. TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight. Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly. Provides movers and shakers with the info they need to start their day. By submitting your email, you agree to ourTermsandPrivacy Notice.