Allies of former President Donald Trump have reportedly drafted a sweeping AI executive order that aims to boost military technology and reduce regulations on AI development, The Washington Post reported. The plan, which includes a section titled “Make America First in AI,” signals a dramatic potential shift in AI policy if Trump returns to the White House in 2025.
The draft order, obtained by the Post, outlines a series of “Manhattan Projects” to advance military AI capabilities. It calls for an immediate review of what it terms “unnecessary and burdensome regulations” on AI development. The approach marks a contrast to the Biden administration’s executive order from last October, which imposed new safety testing requirements on advanced AI systems.
The proposed order suggests creating “industry-led” agencies to evaluate AI models and safeguard systems from foreign threats. This approach would likely benefit tech companies already collaborating with the Pentagon on AI projects, such as Palantir, Anduril, and Scale AI. Executives from these firms have reportedly expressed support for Trump.
Simultaneously, The Washington Post notes that the conservative Heritage Foundation is developing its own set of AI policies as part of Project 2025, a blueprint for a potential second Trump term. While Trump’s campaign has not officially endorsed this plan, it includes proposals to enhance AI research and development in the US while restricting China’s access to the technology.
While the mainstream rise in generative AI has largely taken place after Trump left office, Trump himself has a history with AI: He signed an executive order on the topic in December 2020 that established guidelines for the use of AI in federal agencies.
Changing political winds
Former Trump officials at the America First Policy Institute played a key role in crafting the draft order obtained by the Post, according to a source familiar with the matter. The America First Policy Institute told the Post that the draft order does not represent its official position and that it does not coordinate with any candidate or campaign. But it’s a potential preview of dramatic policy shifts on AI under a second Trump administration, which is reflected in the Republican party’s official 2024 platform.
