CNN 5 Things One Thing: States Want to Write The Rules of AI. Trump Won’t Let Them.
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Dec 14, 2025 An intriguing debate over AI regulation unfolds as President Trump signs an executive order to create a national framework, restricting state laws. Some GOP states push back, claiming it threatens their rights. Insights from Utah's AI legislation reveal worries about deepfakes and child safety. The conversation dives into the implications for innovation and the looming impact on the 2026 midterms. Industry experts weigh in on the need for consistency amid fears of a legal patchwork.
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Federal Order Versus State Experimentation
- President Trump signed an executive order blocking states from enforcing their own AI rules in favor of a single national framework.
- Utah Senator Heidi Balderree argues this undermines federalism and state experimentation on targeted AI protections.
Utah’s Targeted AI Rules
- Utah passed consumer protections for generative AI including mental health chatbot rules, deepfake limits, and disclosure requirements.
- Senator Heidi Balderree says constituents support these targeted, reasonable regulations.
Preventing A Patchwork Of Laws
- The executive order aims to prevent a patchwork of state laws that industry says would stifle innovation.
- It could direct the U.S. Attorney General to sue states and even withhold other federal funding.