Executive orders removing AI safety regulations and preempting state AI laws bypass Congressional authority
January 23, 2025
Multiple Guardrails
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Trigger
President Trump signed Executive Order 14179 'Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence' on January 23, 2025, followed by December 2025 executive order creating 'AI Litigation Task Force' to challenge state AI regulations, seeking to centralize AI policy at federal level and remove existing safety guidelines.
Action Taken
Signed Executive Order 14179 on January 23, 2025 requiring federal agencies to review and potentially revoke existing AI safety and policy measures within 60 days, focusing on 'economic competitiveness' and removing 'ideological barriers.' Created national policy framework to prevent state-level AI regulations. In December 2025, signed executive order creating 'AI Litigation Task Force' to challenge state AI laws, arguing patchwork of state regulations threatens economic growth. Orders bypassed Congressional authority over technology regulation and preempted state regulatory powers.
In His Own Words
"We need to remove barriers to American AI leadership."
"State regulations are killing innovation."
"We need a uniform federal framework, not a patchwork of state laws."
What's Wrong
Executive orders attempting to preempt state regulatory authority over AI without Congressional authorization. Removing existing safety guidelines and regulations without proper regulatory review process. Creating litigation task force to challenge state laws bypasses normal federalism principles. Orders implemented without public comment periods or Congressional oversight.
Impact
Institutional: Undermines state regulatory authority and federalism principles. Legal: Potential conflicts with state laws, questions about federal preemption authority. Operational: Removal of AI safety guidelines increases risks of bias, privacy violations, and misuse. Economic: Creates uncertainty for tech companies operating across state lines.
Sources & Full Details
Primary Sources
Background
Executive Order 14179 was signed on January 23, 2025 to remove existing AI safety regulations and create a national policy framework. In December 2025, a follow-up executive order created the 'AI Litigation Task Force' to challenge state AI laws. Critics argue this removes important safety safeguards and undermines state regulatory authority. Supporters argue it promotes innovation and prevents regulatory fragmentation.
Why Level 3?
Multiple guardrails bypassed: separation of powers, Congressional authority, federalism principles. Measurable harm to state regulatory authority and safety oversight. Sets precedent for executive preemption of state technology regulations.