AI Policy Newsletter - May 29, 2026

• On May 21, President Trump abruptly delayed the signing of a much anticipated executive order on cybersecurity threats related to advanced AI models and tools. In a statement, the President expressed concern about any action that might “get in the way” of the U.S. lead over China within the AI sector. The order was expected to include a provision encouraging voluntary federal review of advanced models ahead of their public release and also encourage wider AI use across government systems. According to Politico, White House officials are exploring options for massaging language in the EO or taking out controversial provisions. Meanwhile, Democrats are pointing to the EO’s delay as evidence of the administration’s deference to Big Tech.

• States and municipalities continue to move against AI data center development at an accelerating pace and with bipartisan support. Since early May, moratoriums have been imposed or advanced in Durham, NC (60 days); Northampton County, NC (32 months); Hill County, TX (one year, the state's first county-level pause); Harlingen, TX (120 days); Denver, CO (one year); and St. Charles, MO, which escalated its temporary moratorium to a permanent ban. Florida Gov. DeSantis also signed legislation barring utilities from passing data center costs to residential ratepayers and requiring public hearings before large facilities receive water permits.

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