Byron Donalds Backs 50-State AI Rules, Breaking With Trump on Federal Rollback

1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 1

Byron Donalds, the Florida GOP governor front-runner, said states should set AI guardrails instead of waiting for Congress, marking a rare split with Donald Trump.
Trump recently scrapped an executive order that let federal agencies tighten scrutiny of advanced AI systems, leaving the White House to reconsider its next AI policy steps.
Donalds framed his approach around Florida-style "common sense" regulation, saying rules should protect minors, give parents more control and let people defend their name, image and likeness.
Florida lawmakers killed Ron DeSantis' AI Bill of Rights in April over patchwork-law concerns, but Donalds said he would revisit the issue next year and work with states such as Texas and Tennessee.
The break stands out because Donalds has largely aligned with Trump since winning his endorsement; rivals have also attacked his AI ties after a pro-AI PAC pledged $5 million and spent $3 million on ads.

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