Trump Administration's AI Action Plan Unveiled with Over 90 Policy Actions

Lawfare's "Scaling Laws" podcast recently featured an in-depth discussion with Dean W. Ball, former Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The episode, produced in collaboration with UTexasLaw, provided an insider's perspective on the development of the Trump administration's AI Action Plan and the evolving political landscape surrounding AI on the right. Ball, who played a key role in crafting the plan, shared insights into its strategic objectives and the challenges of federal implementation.

The "Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan," released on July 23, 2025, outlines over 90 federal policy actions aimed at cementing U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. Structured around three core pillars—Accelerating Innovation, Building American AI Infrastructure, and Leading in International Diplomacy and Security—the 28-page document serves as a roadmap for the administration's approach to AI. Its primary focus is on fostering private sector-led innovation by removing perceived regulatory barriers and leveraging existing resources.

A significant aspect of the plan, as discussed by Ball, involves deregulation and streamlining processes to accelerate AI development and deployment. This includes efforts to identify and eliminate federal regulations hindering AI progress, and to encourage states to adopt AI-friendly regulatory climates. The plan also notably addresses concerns about "woke AI," directing federal agencies to ensure procured AI systems are free from ideological bias and pursue objective truth, a provision that has drawn both support and criticism.

Ball emphasized the complex and evolving political dynamics of AI within the Republican party, noting a tension between traditional deregulatory impulses and growing cultural concerns. He highlighted issues such as the impact of AI on children and the need for AI systems to align with societal values. This internal debate shapes the administration's policy, aiming to balance rapid technological advancement with public trust and ethical considerations.

Initial reactions to the plan have been mixed, with some experts praising its focus on innovation and infrastructure, while others question its feasibility without new funding allocations. Critics from institutions like Brookings and EDUCAUSE point to the plan's reliance on existing agency budgets and its anti-regulation stance as potential impediments to comprehensive implementation. Despite these concerns, the plan signals a clear intent to prioritize AI dominance, with a strong emphasis on domestic development and strategic international partnerships to counter rival nations.