Trump's AI Action Plan: Major Tech Firms Celebrate Deregulation Amidst Growing Opposition
Trump's AI action plan heralds substantial deregulation benefiting tech giants, sparking opposition from advocacy groups.
Key Points
- • Trump's AI summit promotes deregulation for tech firms.
- • Three executive orders aim to facilitate AI development and exports.
- • Major tech companies spent a record $36 million lobbying in 2025, with Meta leading.
- • Opposition arises from over 100 groups advocating for responsible AI regulation.
In a significant move for the tech industry, former President Donald Trump unveiled his 'AI action plan' during a summit focused on deregulation and technological advancement. The plan, which includes three executive orders, aims to foster AI growth by rolling back restrictions established by the previous administration. Trump emphasized the need for a supportive regulatory environment, stating, "We must innovate rather than stifle our progress".
Key components of the plan include mandates to eliminate biases in AI models of companies that receive federal funding, as well as measures to boost the export of AI technologies. Additionally, one of the orders seeks to relax environmental regulations that impact the establishment of data centers, further facilitating AI development.
The response from the tech sector has been overwhelmingly positive, with companies such as Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple participating heavily in lobbying efforts, contributing a record $36 million in 2025 alone. Meta led the lobbying charge with $13.8 million, reflecting a broader trend where firms are increasingly influencing AI legislation to suit their interests.
Despite the tech sector's enthusiasm, over 100 organizations—including labor and civil rights groups—have voiced opposition to Trump's deregulation efforts. They have proposed a 'People’s AI action plan', advocating for responsible regulatory practices that prioritize public interest over corporate gains. As the divide between tech firms and advocacy groups widens, the impacts of these changes are likely to shape the future of AI regulation and development.