David Sacks, the top adviser on AI and crypto under Donald Trump, clarified that the administration’s proposed “AI preemption” — a federal override of state-level AI laws — would not force communities to accept data-center construction if they don’t want it.
Sacks explained that the initiative is primarily about resolving jurisdictional confusion: because AI development, training, and deployment often span multiple states, the federal government should set broad rules rather than leaving a patchwork of 50 different state regulations. He emphasized that this is not an “AI amnesty” or moratorium but a push for a unified national framework.
He also stated that existing state laws aimed at protecting children, preventing online abuse, and safeguarding community interests would remain intact. Protections related to child safety, content moderation, and local governance would continue even under federal preemption.
Despite these assurances, critics worry the plan could weaken states’ ability to regulate AI impacts locally, particularly in areas like environmental protection, privacy, and social safety. While Sacks insists that data-center siting is a separate issue, many remain skeptical about whether the two areas can truly be separated in practice.
