Trump says he's postponing signing an executive order on AI

May 22, 2026 - 02:45

President Donald Trump has postponed the signing of a planned executive order on artificial intelligence, expressing concern that the measure might slow down American progress in the field. The decision came just before a scheduled ceremony, with Trump stating he wanted to avoid any action that could weaken the country's competitive advantage in AI development.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the draft order had been in the works for weeks and was meant to establish new guidelines for federal use of AI systems. However, Trump reportedly grew uneasy after reviewing the final text, worrying that bureaucratic rules could hamper innovation at a time when the United States is racing against China and other nations.

The president has long argued that government regulation should not get in the way of technological breakthroughs. In recent months, he has pushed for a hands-off approach to AI, favoring industry-led standards over federal mandates. This latest move aligns with that stance, though it caught many aides by surprise. Some advisors had expected the order to be a signature achievement for the administration's tech policy.

White House officials declined to provide a new timeline for the executive action. One senior staffer said the president wants more time to consult with industry leaders and ensure any new rules do not inadvertently stifle research or deployment. Critics of the delay argue that clear federal guidance is needed to address risks like bias, privacy, and job displacement. But supporters say letting the market lead keeps the U.S. ahead of foreign competitors.

For now, the AI order remains in limbo, with no date set for a revised version. Trump's decision underscores his broader reluctance to impose heavy regulations on emerging technologies, even as other governments move to set their own rules.