November 18, 2025
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Trump backs federal preemption of state AI laws

President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for a single federal standard for regulating artificial intelligence, arguing state-by-state rules threaten AI-driven economic growth. The move aligns with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s push to insert preemption of state AI regulations into the must-pass NDAA in the coming weeks, but faces GOP resistance from Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Josh Hawley and opposition from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, signaling internal Republican divisions.

Government & Regulation Technology & AI

📌 Key Facts

  • Trump posted on Truth Social urging 'one Federal Standard' for AI and warning against state 'overregulation' and 'Woke AI.'
  • House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is seeking to include AI preemption language in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act.
  • Key Republicans are split: Sen. Ted Cruz supports curbing state AI rules, while Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Josh Hawley and Gov. Ron DeSantis oppose the latest effort; 99 senators previously voted to strip an AI moratorium from a budget bill.

📰 Sources (1)

Trump backs ban on state AI laws
Axios by Maria Curi November 18, 2025