In a bold reset of America's artificial intelligence strategy, President Trump has begun dismantling the regulatory framework of the previous administration, while simultaneously launching one of the most ambitious AI initiatives in US history. His first move: was revoking Executive Order 14110 on AI policy, while keeping intact the more recent Executive Orders 14141 (2025 AI Infrastructure EO) and 14144 (2025 Cybersecurity EO).
At the heart of this new vision lies the inaugural announcement of the Stargate Project. This initiative, partnering ChatGPT developer OpenAI with Oracle and SoftBank, aims to invest up to US$500 billion in AI infrastructure, including data centers and energy resources. Microsoft, Abu Dhabi-based AI investment firm MGX, ARM, and Nvidia have also joined the project, which has secured an initial US$100 billion and begun construction in Texas.
As reported by The Information in March 2024, the Stargate project originated during the Biden administration, stemming from OpenAI's desire to reduce dependence on Microsoft's data centers by establishing its own facilities. Such an initiative aligns with Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) agenda, giving it a priority boost by the newly inaugurated administration.
The administration's rationale for revoking Executive Order 14110 stems from its requirements for federal agencies to implement new guidelines, regulations, and policies for AI governance, innovation, and risk management. Both President Trump and "special government employee" Elon Musk maintain that excessive regulation impedes technological innovation, particularly in the global AI race against China.
This stance on deregulation is exemplified in two key areas. First, AI self-driving vehicles face extensive road testing requirements and human oversight before receiving local government approval for commercial operation. Critics argue that human drivers, who undergo relatively simple testing, often violate traffic rules through behaviors like drunk or fatigued driving. They contend that AI-driven vehicles, capable of avoiding such violations, face disproportionate scrutiny.
The second example involves infrastructure development, particularly in energy. Environmental impact assessments, typically spanning two to three years, create significant delays in AI progress. These evaluations particularly affect innovations like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are crucial for addressing the energy bottleneck in AI development.
Regarding energy policy, the Trump administration advocates for increased fossil fuel production to achieve lower energy costs nationwide. The President has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement and opposes net-zero carbon emissions targets.
The administration has shown support for nuclear energy (including SMRs), geothermal, and solar power while expressing skepticism toward wind power, citing concerns about subsidies and environmental impact. Recent executive orders have suspended offshore wind projects in federal waters, with potential expansion to onshore developments.
Of particular interest is the status of Executive Orders 14141 and 14144. Order 14141's requirement for AI data centers to use clean energy sources, including wind power, appears to conflict with Trump's fossil fuel priorities, raising questions about its future and implications for data center location strategies.
This policy realignment represents a substantial shift toward deregulation and enhanced national security in federal AI strategy. While US AI data center investment flourished in 2024 with projections for continued growth beyond 2025, public discourse continues regarding AI safety, ethics, and privacy under the new regulatory framework.