Trump Administration Shifts Toward AI Regulation Ahead of China Summit

White House Reconsiders AI Strategy Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

The Trump administration is poised to reshape U.S. policy on artificial intelligence security before President Donald Trump’s upcoming trip to China next week. This shift reflects growing concerns about the rapid proliferation of advanced AI models and the risks they pose.

Signs of a Pivotal Moment

Officials within the pro-growth administration are recognizing the need for stronger guardrails on AI development. Reports indicate the White House may pursue executive action to regulate the most powerful AI systems, moving away from its previous hands-off approach.

At the same time, the U.S. and China are exploring official discussions on AI regulation, which could be included in next week’s summit between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Potential Executive Order on AI Safety

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett hinted at a potential executive order during a Fox Business interview on Wednesday. He compared proposed AI oversight to the FDA’s drug approval process, stating:

"We're studying, possibly an executive order to give a clear roadmap to everybody about how this is going to go and how future AIs that also potentially create vulnerabilities should go through a process so that they're released to the wild after they've been proven safe, just like an FDA drug."

White House Officials Weigh In

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles emphasized the administration’s focus on safety in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday night:

"When it comes to AI and cyber security, President Trump and his administration are not in the business of picking winners and losers. This administration has one goal; ensure the best and safest tech is deployed rapidly to defeat any and all threats. We appreciate the effort being made by the frontier labs to ensure that goal is met."

Wiles’ statement repeatedly highlighted "safety," a notable contrast to earlier remarks by Vice President JD Vance in February 2025. At the AI Action Summit in Paris, Vance argued:

"We need international regulatory regimes that foster the creation of AI technology, rather than strangles it. The AI future is not going to be won by hand-wringing about safety."

Possible Executive Actions Before China Trip

Sources familiar with the discussions tell Axios that the White House is considering multiple executive actions, though talks remain fluid. Potential measures include:

• An executive action focused on AI and cybersecurity;
• Regulations governing the deployment and testing of new AI models;
• Licensing or approval requirements for AI models, including limitations on government use.

This week, White House meetings have included discussions with representatives from both tech and financial services companies, according to a source familiar with the talks.

U.S.-China Cooperation on AI Regulation

The potential for U.S.-China collaboration on AI safety marks a significant shift in the global AI landscape. While both nations have fiercely competed in AI development, recent signals suggest a shared interest in avoiding a dangerous arms race through coordinated oversight.