Trump administration may not challenge state AI regulations

The Trump administration has reportedly put on hold an executive order that would have created a DOJ “AI Litigation Task Force” to challenge state AI laws like California’s SB 53.

According to recent reports, the Trump administration is backing off its plan to legally challenge state-level AI regulations. Initially, the draft executive order would have set up a Department of Justice “AI Litigation Task Force” aimed at suing states over their AI laws particularly California’s SB 53 and threatening to withhold federal broadband funding.

But now, that order is on hold amid internal pushback and political risk. This shift could signal a retreat from a unified preemption strategy, leaving states with greater power to regulate AI independently.

U.S.