President Trump has delayed an executive order aimed at regulating artificial intelligence, following a warning from tech investor David Sacks that the measure risked stifling innovation. The move, which came without a public announcement, was confirmed by administration officials familiar with the decision.
The warning that changed course
David Sacks, a longtime figure in Silicon Valley, cautioned the White House that the draft order’s regulatory framework could impose burdens on AI developers and slow the pace of breakthroughs. The warning landed as the administration was finalizing the order, which had been expected within weeks. Trump opted to pull it back, instructing aides to revisit the language.
Details of the proposed order have not been released. But people briefed on the matter said it included requirements for companies to test AI models for safety before deployment and to share certain data with the government. Sacks argued those provisions, while intended to prevent harm, would create uncertainty that could drive investment overseas.
What’s in the order — and what isn’t
The postponed executive order was part of a broader push by the Trump administration to set rules for AI, an area where the U.S. has largely relied on voluntary industry standards. Critics of heavy regulation have praised the delay, saying it gives the government time to craft a lighter-touch approach. Proponents of stricter oversight warn that without action, the U.S. risks falling behind in safety measures.
The White House has not set a new timeline for releasing the order. Officials say the administration is now conducting a broader review of how to balance innovation and risk in AI policy. That review includes input from industry groups and some federal agencies, though the process remains informal.
What’s next for the AI order
No deadline has been publicly attached to the revised order. Trump is said to be keen on a final product that satisfies both his base — which tends to favor deregulation — and lawmakers from both parties who have called for guardrails. Sacks has not publicly commented since the delay, but his intervention underscores the influence of tech insiders in the administration’s tech policy.
The delay leaves open the question of how the U.S. will approach AI regulation in an election year. Other countries, including the European Union, have already enacted laws. The White House has not indicated whether it will coordinate with international partners or pursue a unilateral path.
