Donald Trump is back in tech headlines, and this time with a full-on push to put the United States in the lead on artificial intelligence. His new 28-page AI Action Plan was released by the White House Office of Science and Technology. It sets out to make the U.S. the top global player in AI, with a heavy focus on Silicon Valley, innovation, and cutting government red tape.
The plan promises fewer restrictions, faster infrastructure, and a shift in how the government uses AI, especially when it comes to “ideological bias.” The idea is for federal agencies to use language models that are “objective” and politically neutral, though critics are already asking who gets to define what that actually means.
“There’s a global race to lead in artificial intelligence,” said David Sacks, who’s overseeing the AI rollout at the White House. “We want the United States to win that race.” Trump will promote the plan during a special episode of the All-In Podcast, which Sacks co-hosts.
Fewer rules, bigger deals, and a clear shot at China
The plan covers a lot: from streamlining approvals for data centers and chip manufacturing to building partnerships with major U.S. tech firms to export full AI bundles like models, hardware, and software to friendly nations. It’s clearly aimed at maintaining an edge over China, and it leans heavily on input from private companies, universities, and think tanks.
Trump has already scrapped Joe Biden’s approach and rules on AI and backed moves in Congress to stop states from creating their own AI laws for the next ten years (all part of a broader push to avoid a messy patchwork of regulation). Trump’s team also wants to reverse policies like IR35, which they say hold back growth in Big Tech, smartphones, and generative AI.
Trump’s message: Less paperwork, more progress
The message is clear: innovate fast, lead globally. Trump’s plan is built on three big pillars: accelerate AI innovation, scale infrastructure, and set the standard worldwide for both hardware and software. Deregulation is key to the strategy. The administration argues that the U.S. can’t afford to fall behind China, especially when it comes to building real-world AI systems at scale.
One big focus: ensuring that AI used by the government isn’t “politically biased.” The plan recommends working only with developers of large language models that meet that standard, though again, how that’s measured isn’t totally clear. Still, officials like Michael Kratsios, also from the Office of Science and Technology, say most of the plan can roll out in under a year.
From Silicon Valley to Pennsylvania
Tech innovation doesn’t run on code alone; it needs physical space and power. The plan pushes for faster permits to build more data centers, semiconductor plants, and energy infrastructure across the country.
There’s also a big international play here: the U.S. wants to offer “complete AI export packages” to allies, including everything from trained models to the hardware and software that powers them. It’s a strategic move to build global influence while boosting American industry.
And there’s money behind it: just this month, Trump announced over $90 billion in private investment from major tech, energy, and finance companies to turn Pennsylvania into a new AI hub.
Critics and concerns are not being left out
Watchdog groups, privacy advocates, and unions are concerned that the plan seems more about helping Big Tech than protecting the public. They’re convinced that this could create job loss, problems with the kids’ exposure to AI, and privacy issues or misled use, which is what happens when powerful systems go unchecked.
In response, some groups are pushing for a “People’s AI Plan,” something that focuses more on ethics, safety, and everyday impact.