Upon his return to the presidency, Donald Trump wasted no time in setting a new course for U.S. policy, particularly within the tech industry. His first week in office was marked by a series of executive orders that aimed to reshape the technological landscape, from AI infrastructure investments to regulatory reforms. This article delves into the specifics of these orders, their potential impacts, and the broader implications for technology policy in the United States.
Donald Trump signed a total of 220 executive orders during his first term, from January 2017 to January 2021. As of January 2025, 72 of them (33%) had been revoked, many by his successor, Joe Biden.
Investments in AI Infrastructure
One of the most significant actions was the announcement of a $500 billion investment deal for AI infrastructure, signaling Trump’s intent to bolster America’s position in the global AI race. This initiative, known as Stargate, involves a partnership between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, focusing on constructing data centers in Texas. This move not only aims to advance AI technology but also to ensure that the U.S. leads in this critical field. The executive order also revokes Biden-era policies perceived as barriers to AI innovation, aiming to foster a more conducive environment for tech development.
Digital Assets and Blockchain
Trump’s administration showed a keen interest in digital currencies and blockchain technology by signing an order that permits individuals and companies to open public blockchain networks without persecution. Furthermore, this order supports the development of dollar-backed stablecoins, aiming to protect the sovereignty of the U.S. dollar while banning Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which the administration views as a threat to financial stability and privacy. Additionally, the creation of an advisory committee on digital asset markets, chaired by former PayPal executive David Sacks, underscores Trump’s commitment to regulating and promoting digital assets.
Revoking and Reforming Regulations
Trump’s administration has also targeted regulatory frameworks, particularly those established under the Biden administration. One notable action was an executive order to review and potentially reverse policies on AI regulation, including the dissolution of the U.S. AI Safety Institute. This reflects a broader strategy to reduce what Trump’s team describes as “regulatory barriers” to innovation in tech. This stance was further emphasized by an order to prohibit government interference in online content moderation, framing it as a fight against censorship and promoting free speech online.
Impact on Social Media and Online Platforms
The executive order concerning social media platforms, especially the temporary reprieve for TikTok, highlights Trump’s complex relationship with tech giants. By suspending the TikTok ban, he navigates between national security concerns and the economic impact of such platforms. This decision, however, is fraught with legal uncertainties and international implications, particularly with China.
Formation of Advisory Committees
The establishment of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) with a focus on “results-driven excellence and merit-based achievement” indicates a shift towards more direct control over science and technology policy. This council, along with other advisory bodies like the one for digital assets, is poised to influence U.S. tech policy significantly, potentially steering it away from previous focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) towards performance-based metrics.
Economic and Workforce Implications
Trump’s orders also include measures like hiring freezes in federal positions, except in areas like national security and immigration enforcement, which could indirectly impact tech sectors by limiting government jobs in tech innovation or regulation. The reinstatement of the Schedule F executive order aims at making it easier to fire federal employees, potentially affecting those in tech-related government roles, which could reshape the bureaucratic landscape in tech policy execution.
Donald Trump’s first week in office has set a clear agenda for the tech industry, focusing on deregulation, investment in AI, and support for digital currencies. While these actions might accelerate innovation by removing certain regulatory hurdles, they also raise questions about oversight, privacy, and the global standing of U.S. tech policies. The effectiveness and long-term consequences of these executive orders will depend on legal challenges, international reactions, and the tech sector’s ability to adapt to a rapidly shifting policy environment. As these policies unfold, the tech world watches closely to see how these changes will shape the future of American technology.
