Trump Postpones Signing AI Executive Order Citing Concerns Over US-China Competition
President Donald Trump has postponed signing an executive order aimed at overseeing artificial intelligence (AI) development, citing concerns that the proposed measures could hinder the United States' efforts to outpace China in the AI race. The decision comes after weeks of drafting and industry consultation.
'I didn't like certain aspects of it,' Trump said, emphasizing his concerns about slowing U.S. AI advancements.
The draft executive order, obtained by POLITICO, proposed a voluntary oversight system where AI developers could submit their products for federal agency review up to 90 days before release. However, the seven-page document explicitly stated that these reviews would not create mandatory government licensing requirements.
Despite assurances of voluntariness, former Trump AI czar David Sacks raised concerns that voluntary reviews could eventually become mandatory. The draft also included provisions to enforce existing federal laws against individuals using AI for unauthorized computer access or other criminal activities.
Administration officials had briefed major tech companies on the order's contents, and top AI industry executives were invited to a White House signing ceremony. However, Trump's last-minute decision to delay the signing leaves the order's future uncertain, with no timeline for further action announced.