The executive order is the latest in a series of attempts by the Trump administration to hold back state-level AI rules. But many Republicans are also uncomfortable with the effort.

The White House drama has given new signals of populist opposition to technology that holds the promise of eliminating lots of jobs.

Republicans are facing growing fissures on artificial intelligence (AI) standards as President Trump moves to impose a federal approach to regulating the growing industry. The president Thursday an executive order that seeks to institute a national AI standard by pushing back on state AI laws.

Trump signed an AI executive order targeting state laws and promising one national rulebook. Critics warn it could trigger court battles and prolong uncertainty for startups while Congress debates federal rules.

Colorado's state law, passed in 2024, seeks to prevent discrimination in the AI systems that businesses and governments use in making key decisions, such as hiring, education and banking.

President Donald Trump executive order on a national artificial intelligence framework threatens funding for states that pursue AI laws deemed "onerous."

The order creates an "AI Litigation Task Force" to challenge state laws and uses federal funds for broadband access as a bargaining chip.

Critics argue that US President Donald Trump's executive order urging states to avoid regulations on artificial intelligence favours big AI companies and limits oversight, raising issues of accountability and risks.