Federal government AI policies revised by President Donald J. Trump to prohibit 'Woke AI' adoption
President Trump's Executive Orders: A Shift Towards Unbiased AI and Data Infrastructure
In a series of recent Executive Orders, President Trump has outlined a new direction for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the development of data infrastructure within the federal government.
On July 23, 2025, the Executive Order (EO) on Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government was signed. This EO aims to ensure that AI systems procured and used by federal agencies are free from "ideological biases or social agendas." The EO emphasizes that AI should be neutral and based on facts and science[1][2][3].
Key principles and implementation details include:
- Prohibition of AI systems with ideological biases: Federal agencies are directed to avoid acquiring AI that promotes particular social or ideological agendas. The EO stresses that AI used in government functions must be impartial and objective[1][2].
- Alignment with updated federal procurement guidelines: The EO is part of a broader AI Action Plan that includes updated procurement standards aimed at ensuring AI systems uphold these unbiased principles[1].
- Engagement with federal agencies and governance bodies: Implementation will involve agencies with AI governance experience such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) is expected to be updated to reflect these principles[1].
- Broader AI governance structures: The EO is part of a new governance approach that includes the establishment of an AI Information Sharing and Analysis Center (AI-ISAC) within the Department of Homeland Security to enhance oversight and coordination across federal agencies[1].
- Political and policy context: The EO received criticism from some lawmakers who argue that the focus on preventing “woke” AI risks conflating neutrality with restriction of responsible AI development. Supporters claim it will enable AI models to focus strictly on facts and scientific data, avoiding ideological influence[2][3].
In addition to this EO, President Trump has also signed orders aimed at advancing AI education for America's youth[4], harnessing AI to strengthen national security[5], and promoting the export of American AI technologies[6].
Moreover, on July 23, 2025, President Trump signed a Memorandum removing DEI from the Foreign Service. Another order signed on the same day focuses on facilitating the rapid and efficient buildout of data infrastructure[7].
In January 2025, President Trump signed executive actions to end radical and wasteful DEI programs and preferencing within the federal government[8].
These Executive Orders reflect a comprehensive push towards U.S. AI leadership in innovation, infrastructure, security, and international competitiveness[1][2][3].
- President Trump's Executive Order on Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government emphasizes the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) neutrality and facts-based systems in federal agencies, prohibiting AI systems with ideological biases.
- The Executive Order on AI is part of a broader AI Action Plan, aligning with updated federal procurement guidelines, engaging federal agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and updating the AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) to reflect these principles.
- While criticized as potentially restricting responsible AI development, President Trump's AI initiatives span across various areas, including advancing AI education for America's youth, harnessing AI to strengthen national security, promoting the export of American AI technologies, and facilitating the rapid buildout of data infrastructure.
