Trump Postpones AI Order Signing Over Parts He Disliked

Bloomberg News (finance-heavy news)
Bloomberg News (finance-heavy news)May 21, 2026

Why It Matters

The delay signals a cautious approach to federal AI regulation that prioritizes competitiveness over immediate constraints, potentially slowing the implementation of national AI policy and affecting industry expectations. It also highlights AI as a central element of U.S.-China strategic rivalry, with implications for trade, investment and technological leadership.

Summary

President Trump said he postponed signing an executive order on artificial intelligence because he objected to certain provisions he feared would hinder U.S. leadership. He told reporters the measures could be a “blocker” to maintaining the country’s lead over China and other rivals, and he emphasized AI’s job-creation potential. Trump also said he discussed AI with Chinese President Xi during a recent meeting, with both leaders acknowledging intense competition in the technology. He postponed the signing to avoid actions that might slow U.S. momentum.

Original Description

President Donald Trump said he called off the signing of an executive order that would address cybersecurity concerns raised by powerful new artificial intelligence models because he objected to parts of the directive. #trump #ai #politics #worldnews #usa
“Because I didn’t like certain aspects of it. I postponed it,” the president said during an event Thursday at the White House. “I really thought that could have been a blocker, and I want to make sure that it’s not.”
The order was set to be signed later Thursday by the president, and invitations had been sent to a range of technology industry executives for a signing event at the White House. Trump said Thursday that he wanted to be sure that the directive didn’t take any steps that would reduce the US advantage over China in AI.
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