Introduction
Donald Trump’s anticipated second term as President [3] [4], from January 2025 to January 2029 [2], is expected to bring significant changes to the United States’ approach to artificial intelligence (AI) policy. His administration is likely to focus on promoting innovation [4], American dominance in AI [3], and national security [3] [4], particularly in relation to China [3].
Description
Donald Trump’s anticipated second term as president [3] [4], from January 2025 to January 2029 [2], is set against a rapidly evolving and complex artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. His approach to AI policy is expected to diverge significantly from that of his predecessor [3], focusing on promoting innovation and American dominance in AI [3], particularly in relation to China [3]. Trump has indicated intentions to repeal the previous administration’s Executive Order on AI [4], which mandated stringent reporting requirements for large AI models and computing clusters [2], viewing such regulations as impediments to innovation. This deregulatory shift may also involve the repeal of existing executive orders that establish testing standards and safeguards against AI discrimination [1], potentially deprioritizing measures designed to prevent discriminatory uses of AI and reducing transparency requirements under the Defense Production Act [1].
Trump’s policies are likely to emphasize national security and defense applications of AI, reflecting a commitment to countering foreign exploitation of American technological advancements [4]. Concerns regarding the AI race with China will likely shape his administration’s strategy [4], potentially leading to protectionist measures such as strengthening export controls and implementing tariffs to safeguard US advancements in AI. This hardline stance against foreign adversaries is expected to enhance competition with China and promote AI development and innovation.
Elon Musk is anticipated to play a significant role in shaping AI policy [1], especially if he maintains a favorable relationship with Trump [1]. While Musk has previously advocated for AI safety and supported a moratorium on major AI developments [1], his focus on existential risks has faced criticism for overshadowing more immediate concerns [1], such as discrimination [1]. Trump’s vision for AI is expected to prioritize free speech and human flourishing while rolling back initiatives related to anti-discrimination [4], bias protections [3] [4], and ethics [4].
With a Republican majority in Congress [4], Trump may face fewer obstacles in codifying his AI policies into law compared to his predecessor [4]. His administration is likely to focus on securing US strategic independence in AI [4], reflecting a commitment to countering foreign exploitation of American technological advancements [4]. Changes in leadership at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may lead to a less interventionist stance on AI-related mergers and acquisitions [2], facilitating a more favorable environment for AI company transactions [2]. The composition of Trump’s advisory team [3], which includes figures with differing views on regulation and innovation [3], will also influence his AI policies [3]. Notably, the next vice president [3], J.D [3]. Vance [3], advocates for a hands-off approach [3].
Additionally, the administration plans to update regulations governing the integration of autonomous vehicles [2], seeking industry input to ensure safe coexistence with traditional vehicles [2]. Federal legislation may be introduced to streamline AI regulation [2], potentially preempting state laws that could hinder US competitiveness in the AI sector [2]. As the political landscape evolves [3] [4], there may be attempts by Democrats to pass AI legislation during the current lame-duck session [4], particularly concerning regulations for AI-generated content [3] [4]. However, partisan divisions could complicate these efforts [4], allowing Trump to implement his AI agenda with greater ease once in office [4]. Ongoing monitoring of developments in AI policy and legislation will be essential [3], especially regarding copyright issues related to generative AI and the training data for large language models. AI executives [1] [2], including Musk [1], may attempt to influence Trump’s stance on these matters to align with their interests [1]. Overall, the new administration is expected to navigate a complex landscape of AI policy opportunities and challenges in the coming years [2].
Conclusion
The anticipated changes in AI policy under Trump’s second term could have far-reaching implications for innovation, national security [3] [4], and international competition, particularly with China [1] [3] [4]. The administration’s focus on deregulation and strategic independence may foster a more dynamic AI industry in the US, but it also raises concerns about ethical considerations and potential discrimination. The evolving political landscape and the influence of key figures like Elon Musk will play crucial roles in shaping the future of AI policy in the United States.
References
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/8/24291333/second-trump-tech-policy-antitrust-ai-crypto
[2] https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ai-policy-directions-in-the-new-trump-administration/
[3] https://www.mintz.com/insights-center/viewpoints/54731/2024-11-14-ai-under-second-trump-administration-ai-washington
[4] https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/ai-under-a-second-trump-administration-5739549/
