Trump postpones signing artificial intelligence order out of concern it would hurt the AI industry
President Donald Trump postponed signing an AI executive order due to concerns it could hinder U.S. leadership in AI technology, citing fears of slowing innovation. The delay follows Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s warnings about cybersecurity risks from advanced AI models like Anthropic’s Claude Mythos, which prompted discussions with Wall Street executives about best practices.
President Donald Trump canceled plans to sign an executive order on artificial intelligence hours before a scheduled White House ceremony on Thursday. The decision came after Trump expressed concerns that the proposed measures could undermine America’s competitive edge in AI, stating, 'We’re leading China, we’re leading everybody, and I don’t want to do anything that’s going to get in the way of that lead.' The postponement follows growing concerns within the banking sector about AI’s rapidly advancing capabilities, particularly its ability to exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and outgoing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell convened an urgent meeting with Wall Street CEOs in April to address risks posed by Anthropic’s AI model, Claude Mythos. Bessent emphasized the model’s power and the need for better cybersecurity practices across banks, noting that some institutions were more prepared than others. Trump’s administration has historically viewed AI as a key driver for economic growth, hosting tech industry events and promoting major players globally. Last week, he brought tech CEOs to a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, internal divisions within the Republican Party and public skepticism about AI’s impact on jobs, daily life, and energy costs have complicated the administration’s approach. Critics, including computer science professor Serena Booth, highlight the tension between regulating AI to ensure safety and avoiding excessive scrutiny that could stifle innovation. The uncertainty has led to conflicting signals, with some advocating for pre-release testing of powerful AI models while others fear bureaucratic delays could slow development. The postponement reflects broader debates within the administration about balancing AI’s potential risks with its economic benefits. With no clear timeline for resuming the process, the future of the executive order remains uncertain.
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