More than 50 Republican lawmakers from 22 states signed a letter expressing deep concern over the White House's push to override state AI regulations. The move follows President Trump’s December executive order aiming to establish a single national AI standard, framing state laws as 'onerous' obstacles.
In Utah, the White House intervened to halt the Artificial Intelligence Transparency Act-backed by former Google employee Rep. Doug Fiefia-after it passed committee unanimously. The administration sent a one-sentence memo opposing the bill without justification, sparking backlash from state officials.
A similar pattern unfolded in Florida, where the White House reportedly pressured lawmakers to kill an AI Bill of Rights aimed at protecting minors and restricting foreign-linked AI firms.
While some Republicans like Ted Cruz back federal preemption to boost innovation, others including Marsha Blackburn and Josh Hawley argue for stronger safeguards on child safety and energy use. The lack of a national framework has led to regulatory fragmentation, with states defining chatbots differently based on technology, capability, or marketing.
Adam Thierer of the R Street Institute warns of an "AI Articles of Confederation Era," where patchwork laws hinder innovation. Without federal leadership, states are left to act alone-despite broad public support for AI oversight, including in conservative Utah.
Fiefia insists: 'Doing nothing is not the answer.'