Trump Unveils Deregulation-Focused AI Plan

Jul. 23, 2025, 11:15 am ET

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  • Trump unveils AI Action Plan with 90+ federal policy actions to boost U.S. dominance
  • Replaces Biden-era AI safety regulations with focus on innovation and deregulation
  • Key initiatives include AI export packages, data center permits, and “free speech” AI models

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Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

President Trump’s AI Action Plan replaces Biden’s 2023 executive order that mandated AI safety reports and bias mitigation. The new strategy focuses on accelerating AI development through deregulation, infrastructure investments, and international tech exports.

Core Players

  • Donald Trump – President, architect of the AI Action Plan
  • David Sacks – White House AI czar, former PayPal executive
  • Marco Rubio – Secretary of State, Acting National Security Advisor
  • Commerce Department – Leading AI export initiatives
  • DHS – Developing AI cybersecurity guidance

Key Numbers

  • $90B – Federal investment in Pennsylvania energy/data centers
  • 90+ – Federal policy actions outlined in the plan
  • 180 days – Timeline for developing the action plan
  • 3 – Executive orders supporting the AI strategy

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The Catalyst

President Trump’s January 2025 executive order mandated this action plan to counter perceived regulatory barriers. The administration revoked Biden’s AI safety framework within days of taking office, calling it “onerous” for innovation.

Inside Forces

The plan emphasizes three pillars:

  • **Accelerating Innovation**: Removing federal regulations hindering AI development
  • **Building Infrastructure**: Expediting permits for data centers and semiconductor fabs
  • **Global Leadership**: Exporting U.S. AI technology to allies

Power Dynamics

The administration prioritizes “free speech” in AI models, requiring federal contractors to use systems without ideological bias. This contrasts sharply with Biden’s focus on mitigating harmful biases.

Outside Impact

Key initiatives include:

  • Secure AI export packages combining hardware, software, and standards
  • National workforce programs for data center construction jobs
  • DHS-led AI cybersecurity threat monitoring

Future Forces

The plan positions the U.S. to compete with China in AI development while addressing domestic concerns about:

  • Global tech dominance
  • Cybersecurity threats
  • Workforce development

Data Points

  • Jan. 23, 2025: President Trump signs Executive Order 14179
  • July 15, 2025: $90B Pennsylvania energy/data center investment announced
  • July 23, 2025: AI Action Plan released
  • 3: Number of supporting executive orders

The AI Action Plan represents a strategic pivot toward aggressive technological competition, prioritizing innovation over regulation. Its success will depend on balancing rapid development with emerging ethical and security challenges.