Trump White House Unveils National AI Policy Framework for Congress

The Trump administration released a sweeping artificial intelligence policy framework on Friday, urging Congress to establish unified federal legislation that would override fragmented state-level AI regulations across the country. The move signals a strong push toward centralized governance of the rapidly evolving technology sector.

At the heart of the proposal is a call for a single national AI framework, eliminating what science and technology adviser Michael Kratsios described as a "50-state patchwork" of conflicting rules. The administration argues that inconsistent state regulations create uncertainty for businesses and slow down American innovation in a highly competitive global landscape.

Child safety stands out as a central pillar of the framework. The proposal recommends giving parents greater control over their children's digital accounts and devices, while introducing safeguards against online exploitation and self-harm. Kratsios highlighted child protection as a key area of bipartisan agreement that could help unify lawmakers around the broader legislation.

The framework also addresses the growing energy demands of AI infrastructure. It calls on Congress to streamline permitting processes so that power-intensive data centers can generate electricity on-site, reducing strain on the national grid and keeping energy costs manageable for local communities.

Beyond safety and energy, the policy outlines goals to accelerate AI adoption across industries, remove barriers to innovation, protect intellectual property, defend free speech, and develop a workforce equipped with AI skills. Combating AI-driven scams and addressing national security threats are also included in the plan.

Notably, the document gives limited attention to China-related chip export concerns, despite ongoing debates in Washington. The administration has already approved conditional exports of Nvidia's second-tier advanced chips to China, with officials suggesting the move discourages Chinese competitors from independently advancing their own chip technology.

Republican House leaders welcomed the framework as a practical roadmap for legislation that balances innovation with meaningful consumer protections.