White House Flooded with 10,000+ AI Policy Comments

White House Receives Over 10,000 Comments on AI Policy

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has published over 10,000 public comments on its developing national AI policy, known as the AI Action Plan. The comments, spanning a massive 18,480 pages, cover a wide range of topics, from copyright and the environmental impact of AI data centers to concerns about bias and censorship.

Shifting AI Priorities Under the Trump Administration

These comments arrive amidst a shift in the U.S. government's AI priorities under President Donald Trump. Trump recently repealed former President Joe Biden's AI Executive Order, which focused on identifying and correcting flaws in AI models, including biases. Critics argued that the order's reporting requirements were too burdensome and compromised trade secrets.

Trump subsequently signed a new order promoting the development of AI "free from ideological bias" that advances "human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security." This order notably omits any mention of combating AI discrimination, a key element of Biden's initiative.

Key Concerns Highlighted in Public Comments

The submitted comments highlight the complex issues at stake in the AI race. Many commenters argue that AI development exploits creatives by training models on their work without compensation, urging stronger copyright regulations. Conversely, groups like Andreessen Horowitz accuse rightsholders of hindering AI progress.

Several AI companies, including Google and OpenAI, have previously advocated for relaxed rules around AI training data.

Organizations such as Americans for Prosperity, The Future of Life Institute, and the American Academy of Nursing emphasized the importance of research funding, criticizing the Trump administration's cuts to scientific grants, particularly those championed by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

The impact of Trump's tariffs on foreign goods also drew concern, with the Data Center Coalition arguing that tariffs on infrastructure components will hinder U.S. AI investment. The Information Technology Industry Council, representing companies like Amazon, Intel, and Microsoft, called for "smart" tariffs that protect domestic industries without escalating trade wars.

AI Censorship and Bias: A Contentious Issue

While a relatively small number of comments directly addressed "AI censorship," the topic remains a key concern for many of Trump's confidants. Elon Musk and David Sacks have alleged that popular chatbots censor conservative viewpoints, with Sacks specifically criticizing ChatGPT's handling of politically sensitive subjects.

However, bias in AI is a complex technical challenge. Even Musk's own AI company, xAI, has faced difficulties creating a chatbot free from political bias.

Building the Trump Administration's AI Policy Team

President Trump has been actively building his AI policy team. The Senate recently confirmed Michael Kratsios as OSTP director, who previously focused on AI policy during Trump's first term. Additionally, former VC Sriram Krishnan was appointed as the White House's senior policy advisor for AI.