"The president’s order to limit states’ ability to regulate the spread of artificial intelligence is poised to set off political and legal fireworks that mirror his efforts to curb climate action."

"President Donald Trump is marshaling the powers of the executive branch and Congress and threatening to withhold funding for states considering rules that could impede the rollout of artificial intelligence across the U.S.

Trump inked an executive order Thursday — a win for Big Tech that seeks to limit state laws that the administration deems “cumbersome” and “excessive” as data centers proliferate across the nation. The move closely mirrors the Trump administration’s battle with state climate laws.

Trump, flanked by advisers and Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in the Oval Office, said AI developers need “one source” for approval as opposed to running into obstacles in states like California, New York and Illinois. Trump called Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker “unreasonable” and said “hostile” states could impede trillions of dollars the U.S. is poised to receive as it takes on China in the AI race."

Hannah Northey and Lesley Clark report for E&E News December 12, 2025. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Supersized Data Centers Are Coming. See How They Will Transform America." (Washington Post) [3]

"The Great AI Hype Correction Of 2025" (MIT Technology Review) [4]