Trump postpones his AI decree to preserve the advantage against China

The unexpected postponement of the presidential decree on artificial intelligence revives the debate in Washington. Trump suspended the signing ceremony after judging that some measures could slow down the American lead. In a context of technological rivalry with China, the White House is seeking a balance between national security, industrial innovation, and international competitiveness, according to the American president.

Trump and the AI decree: the showdown between Washington and Beijing

The showdown between Washington and Beijing has just entered a new episode. Trump explained, from the Oval Office, that several aspects of the text displeased him. According to him, the draft risked reducing American leadership in the global race for artificial intelligence. He emphasized a central point:

I didn’t like certain aspects of it. I think it gets in the way of—we’re leading China. We’re leading everybody. And I don’t want to do anything that’s going to get in the way of that lead.

Donald Trump, President of the United States.

However, Trump did not specify the particular provisions that posed problems. He also did not provide a timeline for a new version of the decree. This lack of detail leaves room for uncertainty for AI companies, federal agencies, and the critical sectors concerned.

The postponement also comes during a broader political sequence. On the same day, the administration announced the dismantling of environmental rules affecting refrigeration equipment. The White House places this decision within a deregulation logic, aiming to reduce costs, preserve jobs, and cancel Biden-era policies unfavorable to the industry.

The proposed AI framework facing China

The decree, announced at the beginning of the month, aimed to establish a voluntary framework for reviewing advanced artificial intelligence models. Participating companies would have given the federal government early access to certain models before publication. The goal focused on security testing but also on assessing their national capabilities. However, Trump believed this mechanism could become a barrier to innovation.

The proposal also provided early access for providers of critical infrastructures, including banks. It also included a cybersecurity component aimed at identifying vulnerabilities in unpublished models. This approach was meant to address concerns related to sensitive uses of AI, especially in complex digital operations. In this context, China remains a constant point of reference for assessing American competitiveness.

Finally, the issue occurs at a moment when specialized companies strengthen their ties with American defense and intelligence agencies. OpenAI, Google, and xAI have intensified these partnerships, while the NSA is already using Mythos on classified networks, according to the provided information. This dynamic illustrates the strategic role AI is taking in national security facing China.

National security, deregulation and uncertain timeline

Trump stated he “supports the development of artificial intelligence and considers this technology a driver of economic growth.” However, he believed that “the decree, in its current form, could introduce poorly calibrated constraints.” This position summarizes the line followed by the administration: securing advanced models without slowing down the industry.

The project follows tests showing that Claude Mythos, developed by Anthropic, could identify many software vulnerabilities and carry out complex cyber operations. These elements reinforce American authorities’ concerns about the effects of advanced models on national security. Trump also emphasized that discussions with Xi Jinping confirm the strategic importance of this competition and that China remains a major player in this technological race.

Trump did not set a date to resume signing the text. In the short term, the administration could seek a more flexible version of the decree on artificial intelligence, capable of responding to security imperatives without hindering innovation. The next steps will largely depend on the balance found between control, competitiveness, and protection of national interests.