Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) criticized a reported initiative by the White House to prevent states from implementing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. He argued that federal preemption without a comprehensive regulatory framework would serve as an 'amnesty for Big Tech.' DeSantis's comments came in response to reports of discussions among White House officials and congressional allies about reviving legislation that could override certain state-level AI laws, potentially by linking it to other technology or online safety measures.
The Trump administration previously contended that a patchwork of state regulations could hinder innovation and diminish U.S. competitiveness in the global AI landscape. DeSantis expressed his concerns on social media, stating, 'Preempting states re: AI without enacting a sensible federal framework is just an amnesty for Big Tech.' He also criticized the potential for a de facto bailout of OpenAI, labeling it as poor policy and politics.
This issue underscores a growing divide between President Donald Trump and state lawmakers regarding AI policy. Trump has advocated for a more lenient federal approach, while DeSantis has positioned himself as a strong proponent of increased state-level oversight. Although DeSantis has introduced an AI bill of rights, it did not progress in the Florida House, which sided with the White House.
Additionally, Florida is pursuing legal action against OpenAI, with Attorney General James Uthmeier launching an investigation into the company's involvement in a shooting incident at Florida State University. Uthmeier has also filed a complaint against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that the company prioritized profits over consumer safety, marking Florida as the first state to take legal action against Altman.
The White House's proposed AI framework seeks to establish a national regulatory strategy while preempting state laws that are considered overly restrictive to innovation. Administration officials argue that such a system would help avoid conflicting regulations across states and support U.S. leadership in AI development.