On Wednesday, James Burnham, a key figure previously associated with the Department of Government Efficiency and the Department of Justice, unveiled a new artificial intelligence policy council. This initiative coincides with a series of executive actions by President Trump aimed at deregulating the AI sector. Burnham’s venture, dubbed the AI Innovation Council, is intended to advocate for an “America First” ethos in the realm of artificial intelligence. This approach is designed to bolster U.S. dominance against global competitors, particularly China, in both technological innovation and military strength.
In his remarks, Burnham emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, stating that it could significantly enhance the prosperity and global standing of the United States. He reiterated President Trump’s commitment to ensuring that the United States maintains its leading position in AI, which he described as essential for fostering human progress, bolstering economic competitiveness, and ensuring national security. Burnham acknowledged the issues posed by large tech monopolies but cautioned against allowing these legitimate concerns to stifle innovation and hinder new market entrants from contributing to the nation’s advancement.
The newly formed AI Innovation Council aims to establish regulatory frameworks that not only support U.S.-based companies but also facilitate innovation in the AI sector. Trump is expected to sign several executive orders later that day, which would include initiatives to address concerns over “woke” AI models, thereby steering the tech industry towards a more conservative and potentially nationalist agenda. The administration’s focus is not merely on innovation but includes exporting American technology to foreign markets, thereby enhancing economic performance on a global scale.
David Sacks, the president’s appointed AI czar and a notable figure in Silicon Valley, is set to promote the so-called “AI Action Plan.” This strategic framework is intended to mobilize over $100 billion in private sector investments related to AI and energy. The plan aims to create a comprehensive infrastructure for data centers within the United States, thereby consolidating tech capabilities domestically while limiting regulatory overreach at the state and local levels.
Furthermore, the administration’s agenda is shaped by the desire to exert federal control over AI regulations, preventing states from imposing burdensome regulations that could impede innovation. A proposed moratorium to prohibit rigorous state-level oversight was initially included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act but was subsequently removed by congressional Republicans before Trump’s Fourth of July signing.
Burnham concluded with a broader vision, asserting that the overarching aim is not only to outpace competitors in the technological landscape but also to ignite a new era of prosperity for the United States. His firm belief in the power of innovation frames this initiative as a critical step toward realizing an American “golden age.” The council, along with the forthcoming executive orders, is seen as part of a larger strategy to reshape the narrative surrounding artificial intelligence and encourage an environment conducive to rapid advancements in the field.
