President Donald Trump is considering an executive order that would direct federal agencies to challenge state artificial intelligence laws, according to a draft reviewed by Reuters. The proposal signals a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to streamline AI governance and address concerns from technology companies that state-level rules create a fragmented regulatory landscape. A White House official said any discussion remains speculative until an order is formally announced.
Under the draft, Attorney General Pam Bondi would create an AI Litigation Task Force dedicated to contesting state laws on grounds including interference with interstate commerce and conflict with federal authority. The order would also instruct the Department of Commerce to review AI-related legislation nationwide and to issue guidance that may restrict broadband funding in states with certain AI rules.
The initiative follows congressional debates over whether state AI regulations should affect access to federal broadband programs. Lawmakers from both parties previously opposed similar measures, arguing they limit states’ abilities to address fraud, deepfakes, and harmful AI-generated content. The draft order criticizes recently enacted laws in California and Colorado, signaling the administration’s intent to push for federal preemption in the evolving patchwork of AI governance.
