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Following Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election, the nation is abuzz with anticipation over the sweeping changes his presidency could bring, particularly in AI regulations, women’s reproductive healthcare, immigration, and tariffs. While these policy shifts dominate public discourse, many are focusing specifically on the drastic changes Trump’s cabinet is expected to make in the direction of AI regulation.
With upwards of 15,000 US companies competing in the AI field, and more utilizing AI-driven tools in their workflows, the impact of AI regulation will be felt by all. There are several factors of change to consider, but with the Trump campaign running primarily on repealing or reversing many of the policies set out by the Biden administration, one thing is certain–changes are coming.
Trump’s 2016 administration saw the advent of AI’s mass proliferation into American life, setting the stage for federal AI regulation, stating that, “The Administration has been active in developing policies and implementing strategies that accelerate AI innovation in the U.S. for the benefit of the American people”– the operative term being “accelerate,” as Trump’s administration made clear that their goal was to position the US as the leaders in AI research and development and in “protecting our AI advantage.” Part of this was establishing the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office, which served as a central hub for coordinating and collaborating on AI research and policymaking across the federal government. With several other AI-centric appointments and departments created, Trump's initial foray into AI regulation could be characterized as “market-oriented,” opposing heavy regulations that might hinder development.
During the Biden administration, AI applications had been in the market long enough for the risks of unchecked AI to be identified, such as biases, privacy concerns, security vulnerabilities and a lack of transparency in certain AI algorithms. In an effort to take in the reins of the AI market, the Biden administration released an executive order described by their office as “the most sweeping actions ever taken to protect Americans from the potential risks of AI systems.” This order demanded regulatory conditions to be set in order to protect Americans from the potential risks inherent in AI applications. These conditions were outlined as: Protecting Privacy, Advancing Equity and Civil Rights; Standing Up for Consumers; Patients, and Students; Supporting Workers; Promoting Innovation and Competition; Advancing American Leadership Abroad; Ensuring Responsible and Effective Government Use of AI. The Biden administration also created the AI Safety Institute, a think tank focused on the safe development and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies. These AI regulatory implementations have broad bipartisan support, however Trump’s campaign has expressed that the executive order “hinders AI innovation and imposes radical left-wing ideas on the development of this technology,” vowing to eradicate these orders when the president-elect takes office.
While Trump wants to accelerate AI innovation in an effort to be at the forefront of international AI innovation, those in close proximity to the president-elect are divided on the issue. Trump’s VP-pick, JD Vance has a relevant but multi-faceted relationship with AI and the tech industry in general. Before his Senate run, Vance worked as a venture capitalist and had connections with some of the AI industry's leading figures, such as Marc Andreessen and Peter Thiel. Vance is also an ardent skeptic of big tech companies, such as Google, and their wielding of AI applications, wanting instead to open up the gates for smaller companies to champion AI innovation. This gives support to a more decentralized AI ecosystem, favoring a competitive marketplace rather than one dominated by a few tech giants. This position aligns with a broader conservative emphasis on reducing federal control over industry, promoting American innovation and competitiveness on the global stage. However, it's unclear how this vision might translate into policy, given the inherent complexity of AI regulation and the mix of headstrong policymakers joining the ranks in Trump’s new cabinet.
On the other side of the debate, there are those within Trump's circle, such as Elon Musk, who argue that without clear guidelines and oversight, the rapid expansion of AI could lead to societal and economic disruptions. Balancing these concerns while maintaining a commitment to a “pro-innovation” agenda will likely be a key challenge for the incoming administration.
Another significant aspect to watch is the international dimension of AI policy under Trump's leadership. In recent years, the race for AI supremacy has intensified, with China investing heavily in AI research and infrastructure. Trump's campaign rhetoric has consistently emphasized outpacing China in technological development, which may lead to an increase in public and private investment in AI research and development. This could involve loosening restrictions on certain kinds of AI research while tightening them on others—particularly in areas with implications for national security.
Ultimately, the direction of AI policy under Trump’s second term remains uncertain, as competing priorities within his administration, the tech industry, and the public create a complex landscape. However, what is certain is that the decisions made in the next four years will have far-reaching consequences—not just for the United States, but for the global AI ecosystem. As the administration’s plans begin to take shape, all eyes will be on Washington to see whether AI innovation will thrive under a deregulated framework or if new oversight will emerge to address the evolving challenges of this rapidly advancing technology.
In the meantime, the tech industry and the general public are bracing for what’s next—a mix of anticipation, anxiety, reluctance and curiosity as the White House sets the stage for America’s AI future. Whether the administration's actions will lead to a golden era of AI-driven progress or open up new challenges in the digital age is a question only time will answer. For now, all we can do is stay tuned, adapt, and prepare for the AI landscape to undergo a significant transformation in the coming years.