AFT President Criticizes Trump's AI Order Favoring Big Tech Over States

Federal Directive on AI Sparks Controversy Among Educators

WASHINGTON—A recent executive order from the Trump administration has stirred significant debate, as it authorizes the federal government to take legal action against states that enact their own AI regulations. This order also allows for the withholding of grants from these states, prompting a response from American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten.

Weingarten criticized the order, stating, “This outrageous and likely illegal directive to sue states that exercise their right to regulate AI shows, in bold-faced type, the administration’s loyalty to Big Tech over kids, families, educators, nurses and other workers.” The AFT leader emphasized that the core issue is not about the use of AI, but rather ensuring safety and control in its application.

The executive order could potentially nullify state and local authority by invalidating current and future state AI laws nationwide. Weingarten warned that it might lead to costly legal battles and questioned the administration's priorities, highlighting, “And it is truly ironic that as the White House marshals federal resources to immunize the AI industry, it is selling off for parts the functions of the Department of Education that actually help kids.”

Drawing comparisons with international counterparts, Weingarten pointed to Australia’s recent implementation of protective social media rules for children, contrasting it with the U.S. federal government's approach. She remarked, “While federal lawmakers protect Big Tech billionaires, Australia is protecting its children.”

The AFT has taken proactive measures, such as establishing AI guardrails and a National Academy for AI Instruction. They are collaborating with states like New York and Kentucky to avoid past mistakes made with social media oversight.

Weingarten underscored the necessity for Big Tech to collaborate with communities, as companies like Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI are doing with the AFT, rather than seeking unrestricted permissions from the federal government.

The AFT's position is clear: “Our children deserve a digital future where technology empowers rather than endangers them. Students deserve classrooms where AI supports learning. Teachers deserve tools to prepare our kids for an AI-dominated future—and parents deserve to watch their kids grow into adults who will enter that future with confidence and clarity.”

As the debate continues, the AFT vows to advocate for a balanced approach to AI regulation that aligns with the interests of families rather than the priorities of the technology sector.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.