President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 rescinded former President Joe Biden’s October 2023 executive order on artificial intelligence, which sought to develop security standards for AI and introduce consumer and worker protections.
The executive order directed the federal government to assess the impact of AI on the workforce, prevent discrimination resulting from the use of AI tools, and support upskilling programs that help workers develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the AI economy.
Much of the implementation of the governance requirements has already occurred across federal agencies, but there is no longer a requirement for developers of advanced AI models to share the results of safety testing with the government.
It’s unclear what, if anything, the Trump administration will issue in place of Biden’s order, which was criticized by some technology firms and Republicans as hindering AI innovation.
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Trump Rescinds Biden’s AI Executive Order
SHRM | Jan 2025
Read the text of the Executive Order
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Action to Enhance America’s AI Leadership
White House | Jan 2025
EO Impact Zone, A Guide for HR Leaders
The First 100 Days
Rescission of Executive Order 14110 of October 30, 2023 / Announcement of Project Stargate.
SHRM
Articles
One of Trump’s first executive actions was revoking Executive Order 14110, Biden’s comprehensive AI policy aimed at ensuring safe and ethical AI deployment. The original order required AI developers to report safety testing results to the federal government and created the U.S. AI Safety Institute within the Department of Commerce to establish AI standards and risk assessments. It also required all federal agencies to appoint Chief AI Officers, while specifically requiring the Department of Labor (DOL) to develop a plan for how federal agencies can prevent unnecessary job elimination or displacement in the private sector.
While high-tech companies expressed optimism about a more business-friendly approach, critics warned that removing guardrails could lead to long-term risks in AI safety and security.
Trump Rolls Back Biden’s AI Executive Order and Makes AI Infrastructure Push: Key Takeaways for Employers
Fisher Phillips | Jan 2025
This executive order calls for the development of an "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan" to establish a policy agenda to ensure the U.S. maintains and strengthens its global AI dominance. It aims to promote economic competitiveness, bolster national security and prioritize AI systems free from "ideological bias and engineered social agendas." The order directs White House officials to review and modify or revoke existing policies and directives that inhibit AI innovation and leadership
Executive Order: Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
Holland & Knight | Jan 2025
The Trump AI Order (1) expresses the Administration’s policy of sustaining and enhancing the dominance of the United States in AI, (2) directs certain presidential advisors, executive departments, and agencies to develop an action plan within 180 days to achieve that policy, and (3) directs such advisors, in coordination with the heads of relevant agencies, to determine if any policies or actions taken pursuant to the Biden AI Order are inconsistent with such policy, and if so, to suspend or revise any such policies or actions.
Trump Administration Issues Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence
Sullivan & Cromwell | Jan 2025
While employers may not experience any immediate effects from the two new Executive Orders this week, taken together, they lend support to predictions that the new Administration would take a more hands-off approach to regulating AI.
Trump Alters AI Policy with New Executive Order
Proskauer | Jan 2025
For AI deployers, the choice is clearer: they generally should stay the course on their AI governance efforts. The Trump AI EO aims to spur innovation by providing relief for developers, not deployers. It does not alter any of the federal, state, and foreign laws with which they must comply — let alone any of the nonlegal risks that must be managed when deploying AI systems.
The Trump AI Executive Order: Takeaways for Developers and Deployers
Arnold & Porter | Jan 2025
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