BREAKING: new executive order from President Trump

On 23 January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that defines the United States’ new priorities in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This decision was made in connection with the repeal of EO 14110, issued by Joe Biden in 2023, and introduces new rules governing the development of AI in the US. This step by the Trump administration emphasises the importance of AI in maintaining US global dominance, promoting innovation and ensuring national security

New priorities in AI policy

President Trump’s executive order sets out the United States’ main objectives in the field of artificial intelligence. The document emphasises that AI development should be based on free market principles and that ideological biases should be avoided. A key element of the new policy is to strengthen the US’s global position in AI, which is intended to promote economic competitiveness, human development and national security.

In contrast to the Biden administration’s approach, which called for stricter security tests and the sharing of results with the government, the new policy favours greater freedom for technology companies. Trump described the previous regulations as too restrictive, which he believed could have hampered the development of AI in the United States.

Key elements of Trump’s regulation

1. Repeal of EO 14110
2. The Biden administration’s regulation, which aimed to ensure the safe and trusted development of AI, was considered by the Trump administration to be overly restrictive of freedom of innovation. The new regulations pave the way for a review of all regulations and actions resulting from the repealed regulation.
3. Strengthening the US position as a global leader in AI
4. The document emphasises that the goal of US policy is to maintain and develop dominance in the field of artificial intelligence. This is intended to promote technological innovation, economic competitiveness and national security.
5. Development of an AI Action Plan
6. Within 180 days of the signing of the regulation, special advisors, including the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI and Cryptocurrencies, in cooperation with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) and the heads of such executive departments and agencies as they deem relevant, are to present an action plan. Domestic Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) and the heads of such executive departments and agencies as the above-mentioned deem relevant are to present an action plan that will set out the details of the implementation of the new priorities.
7. Update of supervisory policies
8. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has been instructed to update existing memoranda regarding the supervision of AI systems to comply with the new policy.

Significance for the United States

1. Impact on the technology sector

Trump’s new executive order could boost innovation in the AI sector by removing regulatory barriers. This will give technology companies more freedom to develop new systems and applications, which could strengthen the US global position in this field. At the same time, the lack of strict regulations raises concerns about the ethical use of technology and the risk of abuse.

2. National security and global competition

Emphasising the role of AI in the context of national security indicates the growing importance of this technology in defence and intelligence. As an innovation leader, the US must face competition primarily from China, which is also investing heavily in AI. The new policy is intended to ensure the technological advantage of the United States.

3. Criticism and controversy

The decision to repeal the Biden regulation has been criticised by numerous experts who fear that the lack of restrictions could lead to the development of dangerous AI technologies. Alondra Nelson of the Center for American Progress warns that the American public could be left unprotected from the potential harms of AI development.

AI Act – a pioneering regulation for artificial intelligence in the EU

The European Union, on the other hand, has taken a different approach. The AI Act is a regulation that puts the European Union at the forefront of global efforts to create a responsible and transparent legal framework for artificial intelligence. Published on 12 July 2024 in the Official Journal of the European Commission, the regulation is crucial for shaping the future of AI technology in Europe, while ensuring a high level of protection for citizens‘ and consumers’ rights.

The regulation defines AI systems in terms of their risk, classifying them into different levels (minimal, limited, high and unacceptable). High-risk AI systems, such as those used in healthcare, education or recruitment processes, will have to meet specific requirements regarding safety, transparency and reliability. Furthermore, applications of artificial intelligence that are considered unacceptable, such as mass biometric surveillance in public spaces or the manipulation of human behaviour, are prohibited.

Comparison with the US approach

In contrast to the more liberal US policy, the European Union places greater emphasis on prevention and the protection of citizens’ rights. In the EU, regulations are aimed at preventing potential risks associated with AI, such as algorithmic discrimination, surveillance or manipulation of public opinion.

Conclusions and outlook

President Trump’s new executive order shows that the administration is committed to the development of AI as a key element of the US economic and technological strategy. Free-market policies are intended to attract investment and promote innovation, but their side effects can lead to a lack of adequate ethical and legal safeguards.