The future of AI policy in the United States under Trump 2.0

The 2024 election cycle has wrapped up and the United States is poised for a substantial policy shift, as President-elect Donald Trump is set to become the 47th president, with Republicans securing control of the Senate and potentially the House of Representatives as well.

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This shift in power positions Trump and his allies in Congress to redefine AI's regulatory landscape.

Advocating for minimal government interference, Republicans are expected to push for substantial changes to Biden's AI policy framework, which could radically alter the trajectory of AI governance in the U.S. This shift comes at a critical time for the AI industry, facing complex challenges that transcend partisan divides. Here's a look at the potential implications of a Trump administration on U.S. AI policy.

Biden's AI framework, solidified through an executive order (AI EO) in October 2023, focused on voluntary guidelines rather than strict mandates. This policy tackled issues from advancing AI in healthcare to addressing intellectual property risks. It also sought to bolster transparency and security by requiring companies to disclose model training and testing processes. The establishment of the U.S. AI Safety Institute (AISI) within the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) marked a significant step toward prioritizing AI safety and mitigating potential societal impacts.

However, these regulations have not gone unchallenged. Critics from Trump's camp argue that the Biden administration's requirements, including reporting obligations, could stymie innovation and put proprietary information at risk. During a House hearing, Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) expressed concerns that Biden's mandates could "scare away would-be innovators," a sentiment shared by JD Vance, Trump's vice president-elect. Vance has been a vocal proponent of loosening federal control on AI to prevent existing tech giants from monopolizing the industry under the guise of safety and security.