The Trump administration has unveiled a sweeping Artificial Intelligence Action Plan aimed at accelerating U.S. dominance in the AI sector, dismantling regulatory barriers, and eliminating what it calls “ideological bias” in emerging technologies.
The 28-page document, released Wednesday, outlines more than 90 specific policy actions the federal government says it can implement within a year. The plan is coupled with three executive orders President Donald Trump is expected to sign, including one that promotes global exports of American-developed AI and another targeting so-called “woke” AI systems.
“We believe we’re in an AI race, and we want the United States to win that race,” said David Sacks, the administration’s newly appointed “crypto czar,” during a press briefing. “This plan ensures American innovation isn’t slowed down by bureaucratic red tape or ideological engineering.”
What’s in the AI Action Plan?
The plan centers around five pillars: boosting domestic AI infrastructure, removing policy barriers, promoting global tech exports, ensuring AI security, and eliminating perceived ideological interference. It calls for:
- Major investments in U.S.-based data centers and cloud infrastructure.
- A federal review of regulations deemed to hinder AI progress.
- Greater AI deployment across both public and private sectors.
- Monitoring for AI misuse and “unforeseen risks.”
- Ensuring AI development is free from “engineered social agendas.”
“With the right government policies, the United States can solidify its position as the leader in AI and secure a brighter future for all Americans,” the White House said in a statement.
According to administration officials, the plan was shaped by more than 10,000 public comments gathered over the past few months and is intended to replace the Biden-era AI order focused on responsible development and federal oversight, rescinded by Trump on his first day back in office this January.
Supporters See Strategy; Critics See Corporate Capture
Supporters of the plan argue that a rapid AI push is essential to maintain U.S. superiority in a highly competitive global landscape, particularly as China continues to pour billions into its AI sector.
“AI is a revolutionary technology that’s going to have profound ramifications for both the economy and national security,” Sacks noted. “It’s just very important that America continues to be the dominant power in AI.”
However, the initiative has triggered a firestorm of criticism from technology ethics advocates, civil society groups, and former government officials. Critics argue that the plan serves the interests of Silicon Valley elites while weakening public safeguards.
“The White House AI Action Plan was written by and for tech billionaires, and will not serve the interests of the broader public,” said Sarah Myers West, co-executive director of the AI Now Institute.
“The administration’s stance prioritizes corporate interests over the needs of everyday people who are already being impacted by AI, from hiring decisions to healthcare access.”
Jim Secreto, former Deputy Chief of Staff under President Biden’s Commerce Department, went even further, calling the plan “a reckless gamble.”
“Accelerating innovation is essential, but dismantling responsible guardrails risks turning America’s AI revolution into a high-stakes risk,” Secreto told the BBC. “Promoting aggressive AI exports without reasonable controls only strengthens China’s hand.”
The Trump Administration: Policy Reversals and Political Backdrop
The administration’s aggressive AI push marks a sharp reversal from Biden-era policies. In 2023, President Joe Biden had signed an executive order mandating strong safety and security standards for government AI use. That order was promptly repealed in January by Trump.
In the same week, Trump signed a new directive calling for an accelerated pace of AI development and the removal of what the administration labeled as “ideological bias.” The roadmap announced this week is the culmination of that policy shift.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the Trump White House has made an unexpected pivot on AI policy. Just last month, the administration lifted restrictions on U.S. tech giant Nvidia, allowing it to resume sales of its high-end AI chips to China, a reversal of a previous ban on the company’s H20 chips.
Meanwhile, AI regulation became a flashpoint during negotiations over Trump’s sweeping budget bill passed earlier this month. A controversial clause proposing a 10-year ban on state-level AI regulation was ultimately stripped from the bill after bipartisan pushback.
Progress or Pitfall?
As the global AI arms race intensifies, the Trump administration is doubling down on what it sees as an innovation-first approach. Yet, without meaningful oversight, experts warn the U.S. could sacrifice long-term trust and safety in exchange for short-term dominance.
“This isn’t just about beating China,” said West. “It’s about deciding what kind of AI future we want and for whom.”
With Trump expected to sign the accompanying executive orders later today, the White House is betting big on a vision of AI unbound by what it sees as excessive caution. Whether this approach leads to American leadership or unregulated chaos remains to be seen.
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