Internal divisions within the Trump administration over AI regulation have surfaced, with some officials pushing for mandatory safety testing of large AI models while others favor deregulation to maintain U.S. competitiveness.

The split reflects a broader policy debate: how to balance AI innovation with risk prevention. The U.S. Commerce Department has already conducted safety testing on AI models from Google, Microsoft, and xAI, but the mandatory nature of these tests and the subsequent regulatory framework remain contested.

Industry observers note that the direction of AI policy will have profound implications for the U.S. tech sector, especially against the backdrop of China’s rapidly advancing AI capabilities.

According to CNN, President Trump could sign a significant executive order on artificial intelligence as soon as Thursday (May 22). The order is expected to cover several key areas, including AI regulatory frameworks, high-end chip export controls, and AI safety standards.

This would be the most comprehensive AI policy initiative of Trump’s second term. The executive order is expected to require federal agencies to follow unified safety assessment standards when procuring AI systems, while also introducing new transparency requirements for AI model training and deployment.

On chip exports, the order may further tighten restrictions on high-end AI chip exports to specific countries, aiming to maintain US technological leadership in artificial intelligence. The order will also address norms governing AI use in military and intelligence applications.

The tech industry has reacted cautiously to the news. Analysts note that the specific provisions of the executive order will directly impact the global competitiveness of US AI companies, particularly in their technological rivalry with Chinese firms.

Previously, the US government has taken multiple AI-related steps, including establishing the National AI Safety Institute and issuing AI safety guidelines. This executive order is seen as a further strengthening and systematization of the existing AI policy framework.

The White House has not yet released the specific content of the order. A press conference with detailed interpretation is expected following the signing.

Source: CNN