Disruption

States push back on Trump AI executive order

The order threatens legal action and funding consequences for states that enforce ‘onerous and excessive’ AI laws.

Austin Jenkins

06:00 AM, Dec 17, 2025

Flanked by Sen. Ted Cruz R-Texas, second left, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, second right, and White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks, President Donald Trump receives a pen from Senior White House Policy Advisor on AI Sriram Krishnan as he signs an AI initiative in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

State officials from both parties are condemning and in some cases disregarding President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at thwarting state regulation of artificial intelligence.

Connecticut Sen. James Maroney told Pluribus News he is preparing AI legislation for the 2026 session focused on transparency and chatbots. The Democrat said the executive order “doesn’t change my plans.” 

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