DeSantis Challenges Trump's AI Governance Order, Advocating for State Control

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In Tampa, Florida, just days after Governor Ron DeSantis introduced his proposal to establish AI standards within the state, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to enforce a nationwide standard for artificial intelligence.

Governor DeSantis has already voiced his opposition to this new federal mandate, arguing that it restricts states from crafting their own regulations.

President Trump emphasized the need for a unified approach to AI governance to avoid a patchwork of state laws that could hinder technological innovation, particularly in the face of intense global competition from China.

While DeSantis supports efforts to curb China’s economic, military, and political ascent, he disagrees with the method proposed by the executive order.

“If you were choosing a handful of companies to lead the charge against China, the big tech companies would be the last ones you would want to do. They’re not trying to beat China, they are trying to sell to China, are you kidding me?” he said.

Additionally, DeSantis said an executive order does not and cannot preempt state legislative action. Just days ago, both the state house and senate members were briefed on the role AI plays in the workforce, education, healthcare, state agencies, emergency management, and infrastructure.

“States like Florida, not only have a right, we have a responsibility to make sure that we’re creating sufficient guardrails, so that this stuff isn’t hurting our kids, our families, our businesses, and our senior citizens,” DeSantis said.

Trump’s executive order comes after DeSantis pushed state lawmakers to introduce an “AI Bill of Rights” next session.

“I really fear that if this is not addressed in an intelligent and proper way, you know, it could set off an age of darkness and deceit,” DeSantis said.

The new order also instructs the Justice Department to create an “AI litigation task force” that could sue states over their AI laws.

Critics said the White House cannot block states in this manner unless Congress actually passes a law. Legal challengers to the order are expected.