Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds splits with the president on AI policy

Byron Donalds, a Republican candidate for Florida governor endorsed by Donald Trump, broke with the president on AI regulation during a speech in Miami on Monday. Donalds argued that states—not the federal government—should lead in setting AI and data center policies, contrasting Trump’s push for a national framework. He emphasized the need for state-level protections for individuals’ names, images, and likeness against AI-generated misuse, a stance Trump’s executive order last year explicitly forbids. Donalds’ position aligns with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has opposed Trump’s preemption of state AI regulations. DeSantis previously attempted to pass an 'Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights,' but House Speaker Daniel Perez blocked it, siding with Trump’s centralized approach. Donalds stated he would revisit the bill if elected governor, signaling his intent to prioritize state-level oversight. The split comes amid Florida’s divisive debate over AI expansion and hyperscale data centers, with opponents accusing Donalds of prioritizing industry growth over regulation. His campaign has received at least $5 million from Leading the Future, a political committee backed by AI industry interests. Donalds framed his stance as a pragmatic alternative to federal gridlock, arguing that Congress is too slow to pass meaningful AI policy. He warned against California leading AI regulation, suggesting a patchwork of state laws could create inconsistencies. His comments mark one of the first public disagreements with Trump since the president’s endorsement boosted his campaign last year.