Looks like Trump is taking a hands-off approach when it comes to AI regulations, and big tech companies like Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Amazon-backed Anthropic are all for it. They’re pushing for fewer restrictions, arguing that keeping regulations light will help the U.S. stay ahead of China in the AI race.
A big concern for Silicon Valley? Chinese startup DeepSeek, which recently made waves by claiming to have built an advanced AI model at a fraction of what U.S. companies spend. This has put even more pressure on the U.S. government to speed up AI development rather than focus on strict rules.
Since taking office in January, Trump has shifted away from policies meant to address AI risks—like misinformation, deepfakes, and job losses—and instead is prioritizing rapid AI expansion. He even scrapped an executive order from Biden that had proposed safeguards for powerful AI models. Vice President JD Vance summed it up at an AI summit in Paris, saying, “The AI future is not going to be won by hand-wringing about safety.”
As part of its AI Action Plan, the Trump administration is gathering input from industry leaders. OpenAI, for example, took a shot at DeepSeek, calling it “state-controlled” and a potential security risk. They also pushed for more protection against “autocratic powers” and fewer legal hurdles. One of their key arguments? That AI companies should be allowed to train their models using copyrighted content under fair use—otherwise, the U.S. could fall behind.
Meta, on the other hand, is all about open-source AI, arguing that it’s essential for American dominance. Google is more focused on infrastructure and energy needs for AI while pushing back against state-by-state AI regulations.
Not everyone is on board with this free-for-all AI approach. A group of Hollywood celebrities, including Ben Stiller and Cynthia Erivo, has opposed AI companies using copyrighted material for training without permission.
Meanwhile, over in Europe, the EU is sticking with a stricter approach. Last year, they introduced the AI Act to keep the technology in check. While they’re now talking more about investment and innovation, they’re still keeping a close eye on Big Tech. Just recently, the EU hit Google and Apple with antitrust investigations, and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) could be facing a massive fine.
Apple isn’t thrilled about these new rules, calling them “red tape” that slows down innovation. Google also pushed back, saying the EU’s findings could make it harder for users to find what they need.
So, while the U.S. is taking a fast-track approach to AI, Europe is sticking to its regulatory guns. How this all plays out could shape the future of AI for years to come.
