White House Puts Hold on Plan to Override State AI Laws

Washington, Nov. 21, 2025 — The White House has put on hold a proposed executive order that would have allowed the federal government to override state-level artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. The order, which was still in draft form, would have authorized the Justice Department to challenge state AI laws deemed overly restrictive and could have tied federal funding to compliance with federal standards.

The draft initiative reflected the federal government’s desire to create a uniform framework for AI regulation, aimed at reducing regulatory fragmentation across states. Several states have already enacted their own AI rules addressing issues such as transparency, bias, and accountability, raising concerns that the executive order could undermine local safeguards and limit state authority.

Legal experts questioned whether the executive branch has the authority to supersede state law without congressional approval. Critics warned that the plan could provoke legal challenges and create tension between federal ambitions for a cohesive AI strategy and states’ rights to protect their residents.

Supporters of the proposal argued that a unified federal approach would ease compliance burdens for companies and enhance the United States’ competitiveness in the global AI market. Opponents, however, cautioned that it could restrict states’ ability to experiment with more protective or innovative AI policies tailored to local needs.

For now, the White House is reviewing the plan and engaging with stakeholders, indicating a willingness to reconsider the balance between federal coordination and state autonomy in shaping AI regulation.