US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at blocking states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations.

We want to have one central source of approval, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday.

This executive order will provide the Trump administration with tools to contend against what it considers the most onerous state rules, according to White House AI adviser David Sacks, who clarified that the administration will not oppose regulations concerning children's safety.

The move is perceived as a victory for technology giants advocating for nationwide AI legislation, as it could significantly influence the United States' objective to lead in this rapidly evolving industry.

Executives in the AI sector argue that inconsistent state-level regulations could impede innovation and jeopardize the US's competitive edge against China in the AI domain, which has seen substantial investment from tech firms.

However, the executive order has drawn criticism. California, home to numerous major technology companies, has already adopted its own AI regulations.

Governor Gavin Newsom of California, a staunch Trump critic, condemned the executive order, accusing the president of prioritizing his interests over American safety.

Today, President Trump continued his ongoing grift in the White House, attempting to enrich himself and his associates, with a new executive order seeking to preempt state laws protecting Americans from unregulated AI technology, Newsom stated.

Earlier this year, Newsom signed legislation that mandates significant AI developers to establish measures addressing risks associated with their models.

Several other states, including Colorado and New York, have also implemented their own AI regulations.

Critics of Trump’s order contend that strong state laws are crucial in the absence of comprehensive federal guidelines. Julie Scelfo, from the advocacy group Mothers Against Media Addiction, remarked that stripping states of their ability to enact AI safeguards undermines their right to protect residents.