The Trump administration released a 28-page AI action plan, committing to implement 90 policies within a year.
The Trump administration released a comprehensive roadmap for artificial intelligence development on Wednesday (7/23), promising to promote American innovation while eliminating so-called "bureaucratic red tape" and "ideological bias." This 28-page AI action plan outlines over 90 policy actions targeting rapidly advancing technologies, and government officials say these measures can be implemented within the next year.
David Sacks, the AI and crypto czar of the Trump administration, told reporters: "We believe we are in an AI race, and we want America to win this race." The plan promises to build data center infrastructure and promote American technology, but critics have slammed it as an ideological display by the White House.
President Trump is expected to sign three related executive orders on Wednesday. One of the orders will promote the international export of AI technology developed in the United States, while another aims to eradicate what the government describes as "woke" or ideological bias in AI systems.
The White House stated: "The development of AI systems in the United States must be free from ideological bias or social agendas in design. With the right government policies, America can solidify its leadership position in the AI industry."
Three Pillar Strategy: Infrastructure, Export Control, and De-Ideologization
The plan is built on three main pillars, including encouraging open-source AI development applicable to industries such as law, healthcare, defense, science, education, and manufacturing. One of the key policy objectives is to "protect free speech" and online expression in AI models.
According to the document, the free speech initiative will be led by the Department of Commerce in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to "eliminate references to misinformation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and climate change."
In terms of infrastructure development, the Trump administration will accelerate AI infrastructure development through the construction of data centers. The expedited approval process for these AI data centers includes reclassifying high-performance computing facilities under the revised National Environmental Policy Act and relaxing permitting requirements under existing regulations.
According to the plan, AI data centers will be eligible for expedited permitting, despite prior provisions in the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
In terms of global competition, the strategy seeks to control global AI development through export controls and sanctions. The report states: "To succeed in global AI competition, America must do more than promote AI within its own borders. America must also push for the adoption of American AI systems, computing hardware, and standards worldwide."
Industry reactions are mixed, with critics worried about weakened safety safeguards.
Although the plan claims to encourage open-source AI development, the report also outlines a provision that government contracts will be exclusively awarded to "leading large language model developers." However, the report does not define what conditions qualify as "leading" AI developers. Additionally, the plan threatens to withdraw federal AI funding from states with "heavy" regulations, which critics argue could stifle local innovation and lead to new constitutional disputes.
Sarah Myers West, co-executive director of the AI Now Institute, says: "The White House AI action plan is written for and by tech billionaires and does not serve the interests of the general public. The government's position prioritizes corporate interests over the needs of ordinary people already affected by AI."
Matthew Mittelsteadt, a technology policy researcher at the Cato Institute, called the plan "mixed," praising its emphasis on rapid development compared to Biden-era directives, but warning of the risks of political overreach. He stated: "Tying federal contracts to models aligned with government positions risks politicizing AI development. Developers will start building to cater to the government."
Competing with China is a core consideration, as previous security measures have been abolished.
The Trump administration positions the expansion of AI infrastructure and investment in the U.S. as a way to lead over China. Sacks stated: "AI is a revolutionary technology that will have profound impacts on the economy and national security. It is crucial for America to maintain its dominant position in the AI industry." Last month, Trump allowed American tech giant Nvidia to resume selling its high-end AI chips to China, reversing a previous ban on selling the H20 chips to Beijing.
In 2023, Trump's predecessor Biden signed an executive order requiring federal government safety and security standards for AI usage, which was rescinded on the first day of Trump's inauguration in January. Former Biden administration official Jim Secreto told the BBC that Trump's plan abandons measures that help protect U.S. national security and public trust.
He stated: "Accelerating innovation is crucial, but dismantling responsible safeguards risks turning America's AI revolution into reckless gambling. Promoting radical AI exports without reasonable controls will strengthen China's power." The plan is shaped by over 10,000 public comments, reflecting the government's emphasis on public participation, but critics question whether it truly reflects the interests of the general public.
'Trump announces AI action plan! Eliminates DEI guidelines, aims to reclaim dominance through three pillars' This article was first published in 'Crypto City.'
