Trump Says Skipping AI Order Would Be “China’s Greatest Gift”

President Donald Trump declared that failing to sign his new AI executive order would amount to “the greatest gift to China,” underscoring escalating concerns about U.S. competitiveness in the global artificial intelligence race. Trump made the remarks while unveiling a sweeping federal directive designed to prevent states from implementing their own AI regulations and to establish a unified national framework.

According to Trump, fragmented state-level rules would create regulatory chaos, slow innovation, and weaken America’s competitive position against China’s rapidly expanding AI sector. He argued that only a strong federal standard can protect U.S. technological leadership and ensure American companies remain at the forefront of AI development.

The executive order aims to block restrictive state AI laws, centralize regulatory oversight under federal agencies, and streamline compliance for businesses and developers. Trump and White House officials say the goal is to promote innovation, accelerate research, and remove obstacles that could discourage investment in advanced AI technologies.

Industry leaders have responded positively, noting that consistent nationwide rules could reduce compliance costs and prevent a patchwork of conflicting regulations. They also emphasized that the order may help the U.S. maintain momentum in the global AI race, especially amid China’s aggressive push to dominate the sector.

Critics, however, argue that the order undermines state authority and prioritizes industry interests over responsible governance. Civil liberties groups warn that removing state-level safeguards could limit protections related to privacy, discrimination, and algorithmic transparency. Some state officials have also questioned the constitutionality of federal preemption in the AI regulatory space.

Despite these debates, Trump’s central message remains clear: America must act decisively if it wants to stay ahead of China. By framing the issue as a national security and economic imperative, he is positioning the AI executive order as a crucial step in protecting U.S. technological dominance.

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