What Trump’s switch on AI order says about WH divides over tech policy

Former President Donald Trump scrapped an executive order aimed at AI safety testing just hours before a planned White House signing ceremony on Thursday. The order, which would have required AI companies to voluntarily submit their models for government testing up to 90 days before public release, was postponed after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with its potential impact on U.S. AI leadership. He told reporters the directive could 'get in the way' of America's goal to outpace China in AI development, calling it 'a blocker.' Tech executives, including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, reportedly influenced Trump’s decision after meeting with him. Former White House AI adviser David Sacks, who advocates for minimal government intervention, also played a role in the reversal. The postponement came after invited companies were notified of the delay just hours before the ceremony. The draft order emphasized that testing would be voluntary, but critics within the tech industry questioned whether the policy could evolve into mandatory requirements. A former Trump administration official warned that even if the process started as optional, it might not remain that way. The uncertainty underscores broader tensions within the administration over how to regulate AI without stifling innovation. Trump’s last-minute reversal highlights the challenges of balancing AI governance with competitive pressures, particularly in the U.S.-China tech race. The decision also signals the influence of Silicon Valley leaders in shaping White House policy, despite internal disagreements among Trump’s team. The fate of the order remains unclear, with no immediate plans for rescheduling the signing event.