States Advance AI Regulations Despite Trump's Opposition

WHO:

ABC News - President Trump warned states not to regulate artificial intelligence.

AP News - Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois.

AP News - Democratic state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen of Illinois.

AP News - Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oregon are states that have passed laws regarding AI chatbots.

WHAT:

ABC News - States are increasingly regulating artificial intelligence despite Trump's opposition.

AP News - Congress has stalled on producing federal regulation of artificial intelligence.

AP News - Illinois legislation requires AI developers to create protocols to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

AP News - Colorado required companies to inform individuals when AI is used to influence decisions.

AP News - Connecticut enacted provisions for companion chatbots that restrict interactions with minors.

WHERE:

AP News - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is mentioned as a location for the article.

AP News - Illinois is mentioned as a state with new AI legislation.

AP News - Colorado and Connecticut are also mentioned as states with specific AI regulations.

WHEN:

AP News - Six months after Trump warned states not to regulate AI, states are moving forward with regulations.

AP News - A bipartisan draft proposal in the House has recently faced criticism.

WHY:

AP News - Trump views state regulation of AI as risky in the race for AI superiority with China.

AP News - Critics argue that banning state regulation would benefit AI giants with little oversight.

HOW:

AP News - Trump issued an executive order directing the attorney general to challenge state laws deemed more than “minimally burdensome.”

AP News - States are introducing more targeted legislation to regulate AI interactions, especially with children.

(UPDATED June 14, 2026 23:20 UTC)

President Trump has warned states against regulating artificial intelligence, arguing that such actions could hinder the U.S. in the race for AI superiority with China. Despite his opposition, states like Illinois, Colorado, and Connecticut have moved forward with their own regulations, requiring AI developers to implement safety protocols and informing individuals when AI influences decisions. Critics of Trump's stance believe that banning state regulation would primarily benefit large AI companies, leading to calls for more oversight in this rapidly evolving field.