GOP state lawmakers urge White House to halt efforts to block state AI laws

More than 50 Republican state lawmakers are calling on the White House to stop efforts to prevent the passage of state AI laws, as the Trump administration takes aim at a Utah measure.

In a letter to President Trump on Tuesday, the lawmakers said they are “deeply concerned” by the push to pressure those in Utah and other states to abandon AI legislation.

“We firmly believe state-led efforts are fully consistent with conservative principles and with your stated goals of promoting human flourishing while accelerating innovation,” the legislators wrote.

Their letter comes after the White House sent a letter to the Republican leading Utah’s state Senate, saying they were “categorically opposed” to an AI bill and “view it as an unfixable bill that goes against the Administration’s AI Agenda,” according to Axios.

The measure, which was put forward by another GOP lawmaker in the Beehive State, would require AI developers to create and publish public safety and child protection plans.

“We understand and appreciate the Administration’s interest in preventing inconsistent regulations,” the lawmakers said in Tuesday’s letter. “We are ready partners in working with federal officials to promote consistency and clarity where appropriate.”

“However, recent attempts to halt state AI legislation suggest not merely a desire for coordination, but an effort to prevent the passage of measures holding the tech industry accountable,” they added. “That approach would leave states unable to respond to emerging harms and would limit our ability to fulfill our responsibilities to the people we represent.”

The Trump administration has previously sought to block state artificial intelligence laws, arguing that such measures would create a patchwork of legislation that could slow innovation at a key moment as the U.S. seeks to compete with China. It has instead pushed for a federal AI framework, although efforts to develop legislation have been slow moving.

After a push to pass a measure preempting state AI laws fell short in Congress last year, Trump signed an executive order seeking to rein in such measures, creating an “AI Litigation Task Force” to challenge state AI laws that it views as overly burdensome and tying federal broadband funding to such efforts.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is on the rise: What symptoms to watch for

John Bolton says Hegseth needs ‘attitude adjustment’ after Iran briefing

Speaker Johnson pushes against war powers resolution: ‘Frightening’

Zinke announces he won’t seek reelection

TSA moves to center of shutdown drama as jittery lawmakers offer warnings for ...

Texas voters set to deliver verdict in competitive Senate primaries 

Senate Republicans warn Trump about expanding Iran mission as death toll rises

Four storylines to watch in Tuesday’s elections

Pentagon stuns Silicon Valley with Anthropic ban

Nancy Mace under investigation by House Ethics Committee

Poll: Talarico, Paxton hold slim edge heading into Tuesday primary

Trump: ‘I don’t care about polling’ showing Iran strikes unpopular

Video shows Hillary Clinton erupt at GOP over unauthorized Boebert photo during ...

Supreme Court hears arguments on whether government can disarm drug users 

Fetterman ‘baffled’ by some senators not supporting Iran operation

Supreme Court rules for parents demanding California disclose kids’ gender ...

Judge again blocks Noem restrictions on lawmakers’ ICE facility visits

Supreme Court restores New York Republican’s congressional district

The Hill Podcasts – Morning Report

© The Hill