Shortly after his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, with one of the most notable being a move to revoke 78 actions taken by the Biden administration. Among the targets was the executive order from October 2023, which outlined essential guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI). Trump clarified that these actions were part of a broader effort to “repair our institutions and our economy,” signaling his intention to undo many of Biden’s policies.
The executive order itself didn’t offer much explanation for each revocation, simply listing the actions being reversed. Alongside the AI framework, the order also covered policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration, climate change, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), all of which are areas that Trump aims to overhaul in the early days of his second presidency.
Biden’s AI guidelines and their ambitions
Biden’s AI executive order aimed to establish a clear framework for AI regulation in the US, addressing safety, security, and consumer protection. The guidelines proposed several measures, including AI watermarking, to track the use of AI in various sectors.
There was also an emphasis on protecting civil rights to ensure that AI advancements do not negatively impact vulnerable communities. Additionally, Biden’s order sought to mitigate the economic disruptions caused by AI in the workforce and launched a new federal job portal designed to attract AI talent to government agencies.
Trump’s executive moves on day one
Trump’s executive actions didn’t stop with AI. Another key move was his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement for a second time.
Trump had initially made this move during his first term, but Biden had rejoined the agreement once in office. Trump has reversed that decision with this new executive order, signaling his continued opposition to the climate pact.
Shifting priorities for the US government
These early executive orders highlight the stark contrast between Trump’s and Biden’s approaches to significant policy issues. From AI regulations to climate change, the revocations underscore the considerable shift in the US government’s priorities, with Trump focusing on undoing much of the progress made under his predecessor.