Tech Desk 
Dec 09, 2025
An image of US President Donald Trump speaking to the press at Trump Tower in New York City, US, September 26, 2024. — Reuters
US President Donald Trump says he will issue a new executive order this week to create a single national rulebook for artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent individual states from setting their own AI regulations.
Trump said on Monday that the US needs “One Rulebook” to maintain its leadership in AI development. Posting on Truth Social, he argued that companies cannot be expected to secure “50 approvals every time they want to do something.”
Major tech companies, including OpenAI, Google, Meta, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, have lined up to call for national rules on AI.
They say conflicting state regulations choke off innovation that could allow China to overtake the US in developing AI.
However, state leaders from both parties are against federal preemption, saying states need the authority to protect residents against AI harms.
Recently passed state laws around the country address issues ranging from nonconsensual sexual imagery and political deepfakes to algorithmic discrimination and broader consumer protection.
California, home to several major AI companies, now requires developers to outline how they will mitigate catastrophic risks.
Moreover, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis introduced legislation proposing an AI bill of rights focused on data privacy, parental controls, and consumer protections.
Meanwhile, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson said Congress “can’t fail to create real safeguards and then block the states from stepping up.”
The US Senate voted 99–1 earlier this year against efforts to block state AI laws after strong pushback from local leaders and consumer groups.
Trump insists the states creating their own rules will harm AI development. On Truth Social, he warned, “AI WILL BE DESTROYED IN ITS INFANCY” without a unified approach.
According to USA Today, the executive order is aimed at establishing a federal AI framework to help the US maintain its global lead in the technology sector.
