Sacks is the Trump administration's top advisor on tech and crypto policy. In recent weeks, he's faced questions about conflicts of interest and criticism over his drive to undo state AI laws.

White House AI czar David Sacks defended President Donald Trump’s push to rein in state-level regulation of artificial intelligence over objections from Democrats, saying the move seeks to ease a growing compliance burden for companies.

Congressional Republicans recently decided not to include a Trump-backed plan to block state AI laws in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), although it could be included in other legislation. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has also failed to get congressional backing for legislation that would punish states with AI laws.

U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to bar state laws on artificial intelligence that he says slow innovation will face political and legal opposition from states seeking to preserve their right to regulate the rapidly growing technology.

The executive order is the latest in a series of attempts by the Trump administration to hold back state-level AI rules. But many Republicans are also uncomfortable with the effort.

President Donald Trump is heading into the 2026 election year vowing to pull out all the stops to promote artificial intelligence just as American voters are starting to voice some doubts.

President Donald Trump is considering pressuring states to stop regulating artificial intelligence in a draft executive order obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, as some in Congress also consider whether to temporarily block states from regulating AI.

“President Trump’s Executive Order on Eliminating State Law Obstructing National AI Policy is an important step to ensuring there are clear and consistent rules that can keep Americans safe while allowing innovation to thrive,” Moore said. “States will still play a vital role, but a strong federal standard is essential to advancing AI innovation.”

President Donald Trump executive order on a national artificial intelligence framework threatens funding for states that pursue AI laws deemed "onerous."