President Donald Trump asserted that the United States is at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) development during a roundtable event held on December 9, 2025, in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. He emphasized the need for AI regulation to remain at the federal level to maintain this leadership.
Trump stated, “We’re leading artificial intelligence by a lot,” during a discussion with business leaders. He believes that creating a unified framework for AI regulations will simplify processes for companies operating in this rapidly evolving sector. “We want to keep it at the federal level so it’s simple for the companies,” he added, noting the competitive pressures posed by international players.
In his remarks, Trump highlighted the United States’ advancements in data center construction and chip manufacturing, which he described as critical to enhancing the country’s AI capabilities. He expressed concern that multiple state regulations could hinder progress, stating, “There must be only one rulebook if we are going to continue to lead in AI.”
He further warned that the current momentum could be jeopardized if states are allowed to create their own regulations, suggesting that this could lead to confusion and inefficiencies. “AI will be destroyed in its infancy!” he proclaimed on his social media platform, TRUTH Social. Trump announced plans to issue an executive order aimed at establishing a singular set of regulations that would streamline the approval process for AI initiatives.
The discussion around federal versus state control of AI regulations is contentious. Some advocates argue that individual states should retain the authority to legislate on matters pertinent to their unique circumstances. A notable voice in this debate, state representative Josh Shapiro, previously stated that “there should not be a moratorium on states’ rights for AI.” This highlights the ongoing tension between federal oversight and state autonomy in technology governance.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Trump’s push for federal control remain to be seen. His administration’s focus on technology development aligns with efforts to bolster the U.S. economy and position the country as a global leader in innovation. The outcome of the proposed executive order and its potential impact on the AI industry will be closely monitored by stakeholders across various sectors.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding AI regulation illustrates the broader challenges of balancing innovation with the need for oversight in a rapidly changing technological environment.
