09.03.2026 Trump and artificial intelligence
Published on 09.03.2026 in Tiit Lepik’s mailing list (in Estonian). The original letter in Smaily
Quite a few friends have drawn my attention to the new times in the American approach to AI. I took the time to look into it. Trump gets everywhere. With the help of Claude.AI I mapped the topic for myself. The AI put the topic into the form of a Facebook post.
🤖 TRUMP AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – what does it actually mean?
In recent months Trump has signed several important decisions that change how the US develops and regulates artificial intelligence (AI). Here is a short overview of what is happening.
📌 WHAT IS AI ANYWAY?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is computer software that can carry out tasks that used to require a human – for example writing text, analysing images or making decisions. ChatGPT, Google search and the recommendation systems on Netflix are all examples of AI.
📌 WHAT IS TRUMP’S PLAN?
In July 2025 the Trump administration published a document called "Winning the Race: America's AI Action Plan". The aim is to ensure that the US stays at the forefront of AI development in the world – especially in the race with China. The plan rests on three pillars:
1️⃣ Accelerating innovation
Bureaucratic obstacles are removed for companies – which means that bringing a new AI product to market no longer requires long state checks. The state trusts companies to take responsibility themselves.
2️⃣ Building infrastructure
More large data centres are being built (that is, buildings housing the computers that run AI). The state supports this with loans, grants and tax breaks and simplifies getting building permits.
3️⃣ International leadership
The US wants to export its AI technology to other countries so that the world uses American rather than Chinese AI solutions.
📌 WHAT IS DEREGULATION?
Deregulation means reducing state rules. Under Biden, high-risk AI had to pass mandatory safety tests and audits. Trump cancelled these requirements – now companies have more freedom, but also more responsibility themselves.
📌 WHAT REQUIREMENTS DO AI COMPANIES STILL HAVE?
If a company wants to sell AI products to the US government, it must meet the so-called "ideological neutrality" requirement – meaning that the AI must not be politically biased or promote particular social views (e.g. a diversity agenda). Non-compliance can lead to the contract being terminated.
📌 STATES VS. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
In the US there are more than 1,000 different AI bills in different states. Trump wants to replace them with a single national standard that would be "minimally burdensome". In December 2025 he signed an executive order allowing state laws that in his view hinder AI development to be challenged in court.
📌 HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM EUROPE?
In 2024 the European Union adopted the AI Act – one of the strictest AI regulations in the world, which classifies AI systems by risk level and requires thorough oversight of high-risk systems. Trump’s approach is the opposite: fewer rules, more speed.
💬 In short: Trump chooses speed and competitiveness, Europe chooses caution and protection. Which approach proves right – time will tell.
The official "Winning the Race: America's AI Action Plan" page:
https://www.ai.gov/action-plan




