Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
Presidential Executive Orders
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January 20, 2025 (W.H. Link) - The order asserts that the previous administration implemented unpopular and harmful practices, including embedding "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) into Federal institutions, which it claims undermines merit and equality. It criticizes open border policies for straining resources and climate policies for driving inflation and overregulation. Relevant executive orders revoked include:
Executive Order 14007 of January 27, 2021 (President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology).
Executive Order 14044 of September 13, 2021 (Amending Executive Order 14007).
Executive Order 14110 of October 30, 2023 (Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence).
The Presidential Memorandum of January 3, 2025 (Designation of Officials of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to Act as Director).
The order mandates the immediate termination of Federal implementation of "unlawful and radical DEI ideology" by agency heads (SEE RELATED EXECUTIVE ORDER). It further directs the Directors of the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) and National Economic Council (NEC) to review actions taken under previous administration directives, recommending within 45 days which should be rescinded, replaced, or amended to "enhance American prosperity." Additionally, the National Security Advisor (NSA) must review all National Security Memoranda (NSMs) issued between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025, to identify any harm to national security, domestic resilience, or American values, and provide recommendations for rescission within the same timeframe.
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January 23, 2025 (W.H. Link) - This order aims to promote U.S. leadership in digital assets and financial technology while ensuring economic liberty. It emphasizes responsible growth, innovation, and regulatory clarity in the digital asset sector while protecting the U.S. dollar's sovereignty and individual freedoms. The key elements include support for lawful, open blockchain networks and individual access to digital assets, the promotion of dollar-backed stablecoins worldwide, the creation of clear, technology-neutral regulatory frameworks, and a prohibition of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
The order rescinds Executive Order 14067 and other Treasury policies inconsistent with the new order.
The order establishes a Working Group on Digital Asset Markets to evaluate appropriate regulations. The group is tasked with recommending changes to existing regulations and proposing a comprehensive federal framework for digital assets. Notably, the order instructs the Group to explore the creation of a national digital asset stockpile from seized cryptocurrencies.
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January 23, 2025 (W.H. Link) - This executive order establishes that it is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.
This order revokes existing policies that hinder AI innovation, ensuring America retains global AI dominance for economic competitiveness, national security, and human flourishing.
Within 180 days, key presidential advisors and agency heads will create an AI action plan to align with this policy.
This order revokes Executive Order 14110. Other actions that conflict with the new policy will be reviewed, suspended, revised, or rescinded as necessary. Furthermore, immediate steps will be taken to eliminate obstacles, with revisions to OMB directives (M-24-10 and M-24-18) to align with the new policy within 60 days.
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January 23, 2025 (W.H. Link) - This executive action establishes the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to guide U.S. leadership in transformative scientific and technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. These fields hold the potential to reshape industries, enhance national security, and influence global power dynamics.
PCAST will consist of up to 24 members, including the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto. Members will include distinguished experts from outside the Federal Government with diverse perspectives on science, technology, education, and innovation. The APST and Special Advisor for AI & Crypto will serve as Co-Chairs, with optional Vice Chairs appointed from non-Federal members.
The primary role of PCAST will be to advise the President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy.
PCAST will terminate two years from the date of this order, unless extended by the President.
The order revokes Executive Order 14007 (2021) and its amendment Executive Order 14109 (2023), replacing the prior framework for PCAST with the new structure.