GOP SUPPORTERS SPLIT AS WHITE HOUSE PUSHES
FOR NATIONAL AI STANDARD
President Trump’s push to override state AI regulations has led to growing dissent within the MAGA movement, with some leaders warning the plan favors tech elites and undermines grassroots concerns over jobs, privacy, and community control.
The White House’s recent effort to impose a federal standard on artificial intelligence and block states from enacting their own AI rules has exposed a widening rift inside the MAGA coalition. While the Trump administration argues a unified approach will foster innovation and national competitiveness, key conservative figures and grassroots supporters are publicly warning that such moves may favor Big Tech and threaten protections for workers and local control.
According to reports, a draft executive order would prohibit states from enforcing independent AI laws, potentially stripping them of federal funding if they attempt to regulate the technology on their own. Developers and some Republicans back the plan, arguing that divergent state laws could fragment innovation and hinder American leadership in the global AI race.
Yet voices within MAGA — including influential figures such as Steve Bannon — have blasted the proposal. On his platform, Bannon warned the plan could “cost Republicans in 2026 and 2028,” arguing that unchecked AI expansion threatens jobs, civil liberties, and the social fabric.
Other critics among Republicans emphasize that states should retain the ability to regulate AI as they see fit, citing concerns over surveillance, worker displacement, misuse of data, and lack of transparency.
Industry and administration supporters counter that a fragmented regulatory environment — with 50 different state-level regimes — would cripple innovation, increase compliance costs, and slow down crucial advances, including national security and competitiveness in the global AI race.
For now, the controversy remains unresolved. The administration continues to push for a national AI regulation framework, while internal dissent within MAGA suggests the issue could drive major political debates ahead of upcoming elections.
