Bipartisan Discontent Over AI Moratorium

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As of Tuesday, former President Donald Trump has indicated plans to sign an executive order aimed at establishing some level of federal oversight over AI regulation. I mention this in broad terms for two reasons: First, there’s still no solid constitutional basis for an executive order to supersede state laws, especially regarding artificial intelligence. The leaked draft of the executive order from November raised numerous legal concerns.

Second, Trump himself was quite vague about his objectives when he made the announcement on Truth Social.

Given the current atmosphere, one can assume that whatever comes from the White House may not withstand legal scrutiny, but Trump will likely push his agenda swiftly and without question.

The political repercussions of this move may not be felt in Washington right away.

This week, I’m speaking with Brendan Steinhauser, the CEO and cofounder of the bipartisan Alliance for Secure AI, about whether AI regulations—or the absence of them—will become a significant issue for voters in the upcoming midterms. Steinhauser, a Republican strategist based in Austin, has worked on campaigns for various Texas candidates, including former Rep. Michael McCaul and Rep. Dan Crenshaw, as well as Sen. John Cornyn. His experience also includes a role in early Tea Party politics, where he served as national director of federal and state campaigns for FreedomWorks from 2009 to 2012.

Steinhauser has a deep understanding of red state voters but found common ground with Democrats to establish the Alliance, which launched in July 2025. It’s surprising to see a political organization in 2025 with leadership that includes individuals from both the Biden administration and Texas Republican congressional delegation.

Polling on this issue is still in its early stages. Two recent polls from a conservative think tank in partnership with YouGov show that voters are against the federal government overriding state AI regulations. However, there’s increasing skepticism among red state voters regarding the AI industry, and Steinhauser shared his observations on the growing backlash from various groups, including religious communities and state governments opposing Washington’s approach.

“I’ve advised Republicans for 20 years, trying to understand voters and guide candidates on how to engage with them,” he noted during our conversation. “I just don’t think they’re considering the long-term implications.”

This week, there are several noteworthy discussions happening, including insights on the future of money, the impact of AI creators on the influencer economy, and the ongoing battle against misinformation.

Steinhauser began working on the Alliance for Secure AI in 2024, and since its launch, he has seen a shift in voter awareness regarding AI. He attributes this change to increased media coverage and significant events that brought AI issues to the forefront.

The DeepSeek incident, in particular, captured the attention of everyday people, prompting them to pay more attention to AI developments. The release of new AI models also contributed to this growing awareness.

Once the idea of a moratorium on AI was proposed in Congress, states reacted strongly against it. Steinhauser explained that state legislators take pride in their work and are protective of the laws they pass. Many states have enacted their own AI policies, and they are unwilling to let the federal government undermine their efforts.

A diverse coalition of lawmakers from both parties has emerged, united in their commitment to protect their states’ AI regulations. They have actively voiced their concerns to Congress and the White House, advocating for the preservation of their state laws.

While states like Colorado and California are known for their AI regulation efforts, there’s also a surge of activity in traditionally conservative states. Texas, for example, passed a comprehensive AI regulation law earlier this year. Steinhauser highlighted that the motivations behind AI regulation in red states often stem from concerns about the technology’s impact on families and young people, as well as a desire to uphold traditional values.

The 10th Amendment and the principle of federalism resonate strongly with many conservatives, especially when they feel the federal government is encroaching on their legislative achievements. This sentiment has been evident in past political battles, and it’s particularly pronounced in the current discussions surrounding AI.

Steinhauser expressed optimism about the bipartisan nature of the movement, noting that collaboration between far-right Republicans and far-left Democrats on AI regulation is a promising sign of its potential impact.

In Texas, there’s tangible evidence of this collaboration, with a recent letter signed by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers advocating for AI protections.

However, there are divisions within the Republican Party regarding AI regulation, with some members, like Sen. Cruz, advocating for a moratorium. Steinhauser explained that Cruz has core principles that guide his stance, and he is aware of the rapid advancements in AI and their implications.

The influence of tech industry leaders also plays a significant role in shaping Republican perspectives on AI. Steinhauser believes that until more constituents actively engage with their representatives on this issue, lawmakers may prioritize immediate financial incentives over long-term considerations.

As the midterms approach, the economic implications of AI will likely become a focal point for voters. If automation leads to job losses and economic downturns, Republicans may face backlash for their perceived leniency toward Big Tech.

Steinhauser emphasized the importance of public engagement on AI issues, suggesting that as awareness grows, voters will demand more accountability from their representatives.

In conclusion, the conversation around AI regulation is evolving rapidly, and it’s clear that many people are concerned about the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The need for safeguards is becoming increasingly recognized, and the dialogue surrounding these issues will continue to develop in the coming months.

See you next week.