Donald Trump’s AI order deemed ‘potentially illegal’ by Democrats, consumer groups

President Donald Trump and his technological allies assert that his recent executive order, establishing a national framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation, will enhance the US competitive edge against China and accelerate innovation.

However, Democratic lawmakers, state officials, and consumer advocacy groups are sounding alarms, with some suggesting the order could face swift legal challenges.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., called the approach "the wrong approach and most likely illegal," arguing that while a strong federal safety standard is needed, the order should not dismantle existing state-level AI protections.

The executive order is viewed as a significant win for major tech companies, including OpenAI and Google, and the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, all of whom have actively lobbied against state regulations they deem restrictive or burdensome. 

The order directs the Attorney General to form a task force to challenge state AI laws and instructs the Commerce Department to identify "onerous" state regulations.

Andreessen Horowitz's head of government affairs, Collin McCune, celebrated the order as an "important first step" to boost competition but urged Congress to solidify a permanent, national AI framework. 

White House AI advisor Sriram Krishnan emphasised that the administration is seeking tools to "push back on 'doomer' laws" in various states, which the White House believes undermine American competitiveness, specifically citing recent legislation in states like California and Colorado.