Trump Shunts Highly Anticipated AI Executive Order—Here’s Why
Trump Shunts Highly Anticipated AI Executive Order—Here’s Why
Publish Date: 2026-05-21 13:04:00
Source Domain: www.forbes.com
Topline
President Donald Trump pushed back the signing of an executive order that seeks to implement government reviews of artificial intelligence before their public releases, telling reporters Thursday it could have hindered progress on AI development in the U.S.
Trump commented on the executive order during an Oval Office appearance.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Key Facts
Trump said he “didn’t like certain aspects” of the executive order, which was reportedly slated to be signed alongside some of the world’s most prominent tech CEOs.
The president added he thought the executive order “could have been a blocker,” suggesting it would have jeopardized the AI arms race with China.
Crucial Quote
“We are leading China, we’re leading everybody and I don’t want to do anything that’s going to get in the way of that lead,” Trump said.
What Else Was In The Postponed Executive Order?
The order would have given the Office of the National Cyber Director and other agencies two months to create a framework for reviewing AI models, according to The New York Times. In addition to the vetting of AI models, the executive order is also seeking to bolster cybersecurity measures in the U.S. through more cyber hirings and improvements to cybersecurity systems at places like hospitals and banks, Axios reported, noting the executive order also encourages threat sharing about breaches between AI companies and the government.
Key Background
The Trump administration has taken a largely unregulated approach to the rapid growth of the AI sector. Vice President JD Vance encouraged European allies in February to avoid “excessive regulations” of AI that could “kill a transformative industry just as it’s taking off.” The vice president claimed the U.S. was the world’s leader in AI and said the “future is not going to be won by hand-wringing about safety. It will be won by building.” The Trump administration has since changed its tone on AI regulation somewhat…
