Trump Moves Quickly to Revoke Biden's AI Guidelines After Inauguration

2025-01-21

During a rally following the inauguration ceremony, President Trump set up a desk on stage and proceeded to sign a series of executive orders in quick succession. The first order issued that evening targeted 78 orders from the Biden administration, including guidelines on artificial intelligence issued in October 2023.

The revocation of these orders marks the first step in a series of measures taken by the U.S. federal government to repair national institutions and the economy. However, no explanations were provided for the revoked orders, which were listed in a long roster under the heading "The following actions are hereby revoked." Some of the revoked orders pertained to ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, while others addressed immigration policies, climate change, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

In contrast, Biden's executive orders outlined an ambitious plan aimed at establishing safeguards and best practices for both the public and federal government in the field of artificial intelligence. Specifically, this order sought to establish new standards for safety and security, promote protocols related to AI watermarking, civil rights, and consumer protection. Additionally, it included plans to mitigate the adverse impacts of AI on workers and launched a new federal job portal designed to attract and nurture more AI talent.