Trump’s AI Action Plan Pushes Deregulation and Tech Expansion

President Donald Trump has launched a new national strategy for artificial intelligence, prioritizing rapid tech development over regulation. The “AI Action Plan,” unveiled this week, outlines how the U.S. aims to secure “global dominance” in AI by cutting environmental protections, accelerating data center construction, and promoting American-made AI technologies globally.

The initiative aligns closely with the views of Silicon Valley investors and tech lobbyists, many of whom supported Trump’s 2024 campaign. Trump is expected to sign three executive orders reinforcing the plan, co-announced with the “All-In” podcast and the Hill and Valley Forum. Leading the charge is AI and crypto czar David Sacks, a PayPal veteran known for his criticism of “woke AI.”

Key Goals of the AI Action Plan

The plan removes red tape around AI innovation and infrastructure development. It proposes easing clean air and water regulations to speed up construction of supercomputing data centers. Trump links these changes to energy independence, citing a push for gas, coal, and nuclear power to meet AI’s vast electricity needs.

A notable part of the plan is its ideological focus. It demands that government-funded AI tools be “objective” and free from perceived liberal bias. It also calls for removing Biden-era mentions of misinformation, DEI, and climate change from federal AI guidelines.

Industry Influence and Backlash

The plan draws heavily from tech industry demands, including streamlined permits and export-friendly policies. Companies like OpenAI, Amazon, and Meta are already building massive U.S.-based data centers. One such project, the Oracle-backed “Stargate” in Texas, was praised by Trump earlier this year.

Critics argue the plan prioritizes corporate interests. More than 100 advocacy groups signed a resolution calling for a “People’s AI Action Plan,” highlighting concerns about environmental harm, rising energy costs, and unchecked industry influence.

Public Citizen’s J.B. Branch said, “Americans deserve an AI future rooted in safety, fairness, and accountability — not a handout to billionaires.”

AI, Energy, and the Global Impact

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that AI data centers could soon consume as much power as modern nations. He urged firms to transition to renewables by 2030.

Trump’s plan, however, dismisses climate concerns as “radical dogma” and suggests that states with strict AI regulations could lose federal funding.

While the plan accelerates innovation, it also fuels a deeper debate on AI ethics, regulation, and energy sustainability in America’s tech future.

Source: AP News