US AI Policy Shifts: From Biden's Regulation to Trump's Deregulation

In a significant policy shift, the United States has transitioned from implementing comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) regulations under President Joe Biden to adopting a deregulatory stance under President Donald Trump, raising questions about the future of AI governance and innovation.

On October 30, 2023, President Biden signed Executive Order 14110, titled "Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence." This directive aimed to establish a national framework for AI governance, focusing on promoting competition, safeguarding civil liberties, and ensuring the United States' global competitiveness in AI. Key provisions included the appointment of Chief AI Officers in major federal agencies, development of AI-related security protocols by the Department of Homeland Security, and initiatives by the Department of Veterans Affairs to reduce healthcare worker burnout through AI technology competitions. Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was tasked with creating resources focused on generative AI to supplement existing AI Risk Management Frameworks.

Upon assuming office on January 20, 2025, President Trump rescinded Executive Order 14110, labeling it among several "unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices." Three days later, on January 23, 2025, he signed Executive Order 14179, titled "Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence." This new order aimed to promote AI development free from ideological bias, establish an action plan to maintain global AI dominance, and revise or rescind conflicting policies. It directed a review and suspension of actions taken under previous AI directives deemed to hinder innovation and appointed David Sacks as Special Advisor for AI and Crypto to lead the development of an AI action plan within 180 days.

In the legislative arena, bipartisan efforts have been made to regulate AI. In September 2023, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced a framework emphasizing transparency, accountability, and the creation of an independent oversight body. Key components included the establishment of a licensing regime for auditing AI companies, legal accountability for AI-related harms, and transparency and consumer protection measures. Additionally, in June 2023, the "No Section 230 Immunity for AI Act" was introduced to hold AI companies accountable for harmful content produced by AI technologies.

The tech industry has had mixed reactions to these developments. While some groups criticized Executive Order 14110, arguing it could hinder innovation, others expressed concerns about the potential consequences of rescinding AI safeguards on innovation, national security, and civil liberties. Public opinion polling indicated that 69% of voters supported Executive Order 14110, with higher support among Democrats (78%) compared to Republicans (64%).

The evolving landscape of AI regulation and online safety in the United States underscores the complex interplay between innovation, security, and civil liberties. The bipartisan initiatives and executive actions highlight the nation's efforts to navigate these challenges, reflecting a broader global discourse on the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.