The Trump administration released a 25-page “America’s AI Action Plan” on Wednesday, outlining 90 policy proposals aimed at bolstering the US's AI capabilities and countering China's influence. The plan includes promoting the construction of new data centers, streamlining regulations hindering AI development, and increasing AI tools for US allies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the plan will "ensure America sets the technological gold standard worldwide". The White House aims to analyze Chinese AI models for alignment with CCP talking points and censorship, while also upholding free speech in models used by federal government organizations.

The plan prioritizes expanding data center infrastructure, streamlining permits, and increasing access to federal lands for AI development, despite environmental concerns regarding increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This comes as the EPA plans to reverse its endangerment finding on greenhouse gas emissions, potentially easing environmental regulations. While the plan claims AI will complement, not replace, jobs, recent job cuts by companies like Recruit Holdings and Salesforce demonstrate the impact of AI on employment.

The plan has received mixed reactions. Some analysts, such as Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities, view it as a positive step, while others express concerns about its lack of focus on potential harms caused by AI and its apparent bias against AI models perceived as having a liberal viewpoint. Initial market reactions to the plan were mixed.

Impact Statement: The plan's impact will depend on its implementation and its effectiveness in addressing both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI development and competition with China.