In a major policy push to position the U.S. as the global leader in artificial intelligence, President Donald Trump on Wednesday revealed his administration's comprehensive AI Action Plan, focused on accelerating AI infrastructure development by cutting regulations and pushing for a massive tech build-out — including chip factories, fossil-fuel-powered data centers, and relaxed environmental oversight.

Announced at a summit co-hosted by the Hill and Valley Forum and the All-In Podcast, the plan outlines sweeping proposals, some already backed by three executive orders signed by Trump at the event. The message: AI dominance is a national priority, and red tape must not stand in its way.

“My administration will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the United States can build and maintain the largest and most powerful and advanced AI infrastructure anywhere on the planet,” Trump declared.

5 Key Takeaways from the AI Action Plan

1. Regulatory Rollbacks to Boost AI Infrastructure

The plan aggressively targets environmental and bureaucratic barriers, proposing exemptions for AI-related construction from clean air and water protections. It recommends opening federal lands for data center and power plant use and supports keeping coal and nuclear plants operational longer to meet the massive energy demands of AI infrastructure.

Critics, including climate advocates and consumer groups, warn this opens the door for unchecked expansion of fossil fuel-driven tech growth, potentially harming communities and accelerating environmental degradation.

2. Fewer Consumer Protections, More Industry Freedom

Echoing the administration’s broader deregulatory stance, the plan discourages federal and state-level AI-specific rules that could “smother innovation.” Federal agencies are urged to revisit existing and pending regulations to ensure they don’t hinder AI growth.

Consumer advocates are pushing back, arguing that this undermines essential safeguards at a time when AI misuse — from biased algorithms to misinformation — is on the rise.

“Companies should bear legal responsibility when their design choices lead to harm,” said Justin Brookman of Consumer Reports.

3. Curbing ‘Ideological Bias’ in AI

A controversial element of the plan seeks to ensure that government-contracted AI tools are “objective and free from ideological bias.” It proposes removing DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) references from federal AI standards, and mandates that only developers who adhere to these criteria can secure government contracts.

This aligns with Trump's broader political agenda and has raised concerns about politicization of AI development.

4. Addressing Workforce Displacement

While emphasizing automation and AI expansion, the plan acknowledges the risk of job loss. It recommends federal monitoring of labor impacts and the creation of an AI Workforce Research Hub under the Department of Labor.

However, its solutions lean heavily on retraining displaced workers and promoting tech-focused jobs (e.g., HVAC techs, electricians) to support data centers — not structural labor protections or income support.

5. Expanding AI Use in Government

The plan envisions a tech-savvier federal workforce. It introduces a talent exchange program for AI experts, proposes AI “toolboxes” for agencies, and pushes for AI literacy and adoption across departments. The Department of Defense would see an uptick in AI and autonomous system integration, with a proposed virtual testing ground to explore military applications.

While tech industry leaders — including Google, OpenAI, xAI, and Anthropic — praised the plan as a necessary push to win the “AI race against China,” environmentalists, labor unions, and consumer watchdogs remain deeply concerned.

“This isn’t just opening the door for Big Tech and Big Oil — it’s tearing down all the walls,” said KD Chavez of the Climate Justice Alliance.

As the U.S. barrels ahead in its AI arms race, the debate over innovation vs. oversight continues to intensify. Whether this bold strategy leads to technological leadership or regulatory backlash remains to be seen.