President Trump has signed three executive orders aimed at reshaping the United States' approach to artificial intelligence, focusing on deregulation, promoting American AI dominance, and targeting perceived "woke" biases in AI models.
Trump Targets 'Woke AI' in Federal Procurement
President Trump has issued a directive that bars the federal government from procuring generative AI large language models that do not demonstrate "truthfulness and ideological neutrality." This move aims to ensure that AI systems used by government agencies are objective and do not promote ideological dogmas, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The order mandates that government contracts for LLMs include language ensuring compliance with these new "Unbiased AI Principles." This directive comes in response to controversies surrounding AI models, such as Google's Gemini, which faced criticism for generating diverse, and at times historically inaccurate, images.
Key Takeaways:
Federal government procurement of AI models will require "truthfulness and ideological neutrality."
AI systems must prioritize "historical accuracy, scientific inquiry, and objectivity."
"Woke Marxist lunacy" and ideological dogmas like DEI are explicitly targeted.
The order aims to prevent AI from manipulating responses in favour of specific ideologies.
Accelerating US AI Dominance Through Deregulation
Two other executive orders signed by President Trump are designed to fast-track the buildout of data centre infrastructure and promote the export of American AI technology. The data centre order directs the Commerce Secretary to launch a program offering loans, grants, and tax incentives for qualifying infrastructure projects. It also revokes Biden-era DEI and climate requirements for data centre projects on federal lands, expedites permitting, and authorises Cabinet officials to greenlight construction. The AI export order aims to support the development and deployment of "full-stack, end-to-end packages" overseas, including hardware, data systems, and AI models, to bolster US allies and partners.
Promoting American AI Exports and Infrastructure
The administration's broader "AI Action Plan" outlines a strategy to make the US a global leader in artificial intelligence, positioning it as an "AI export powerhouse." This plan involves streamlining federal permitting for data centres, encouraging the export of US AI models, and ensuring federal AI procurement is ideologically neutral. The initiative frames the AI race as a critical competition with nations like China, emphasising the need for American technological supremacy. The plan also seeks to remove regulations perceived as hindering AI development and deployment, with a focus on innovation and national security.
A Shift in AI Policy
These directives represent a significant shift from previous AI policies, with Trump's administration actively dismantling regulations established during the Biden era. The focus is on fostering an "America-first" approach to technological innovation, ensuring that US AI capabilities remain unmatched on the global stage. The administration views AI as a revolutionary technology with profound economic and national security implications, necessitating an aggressive strategy to maintain American leadership.
