President Trump calls off AI executive order over economic concerns
President Trump calls off AI executive order over economic concerns
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/05/21/artificial-intelligence-executive-order-postponed/
Publish Date: 2026-05-21 16:26:00
Source Domain: www.chicagotribune.com
- President Donald Trump postponed signing a new executive order on artificial intelligence due to concerns that it could hinder America’s lead in the technology, potentially allowing China and other countries to catch up.
- The executive order aimed to establish a framework for government review of the national security risks associated with the most advanced AI systems before their public release, in a voluntary collaboration with U.S.-based tech companies.
- There is a push for government action to vet leading AI systems following growing concerns among the banking industry about cybersecurity risks posed by advanced AI’s ability to find vulnerabilities in software.
- Trump had pledged to undo the AI safety regulations set by his predecessor, President Joe Biden, viewing the AI sector as a way to expand the economy and embracing its major players, but this approach has faced voter skepticism about its impact.
- The government’s relationship with Anthropic, a major AI company, is complicated due to an ongoing legal battle and a prior order to halt usage of their chatbot by U.S. agencies.
- Internal government factions are divided over balancing innovation in AI with the need for security measures, with concerns about the potential long-term impact on the speed and cost of AI development.
- Vice President JD Vance stated that the administration aims to promote innovation while addressing cybersecurity threats and data privacy, describing a balance between safety and innovation.
- There is “healthy tension” within the administration regarding whether to engage in tighter regulation of companies like Anthropic, due to political risks, though some are in favor of working more closely with the government on cybersecurity.
