The recent AI strategy unveiled by the Trump administration seeks to position the United States as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence technology, both domestically and internationally. However, it also aims to ensure that this technological edge does not inadvertently empower rival nations.
Striking this balance is no small feat.
According to the newly released AI strategy, the administration appears to be in the process of determining the most effective methods to achieve these ambitious objectives.
“The United States currently leads the world in data center development, computing hardware capabilities, and AI models,” the strategy emphasizes. “It is crucial for the U.S. to capitalize on this advantage by forming lasting global partnerships while preventing adversaries from benefiting from our innovations and investments.”
The strategy outlines plans to enhance export controls on AI chips through innovative methods, accompanied by two key policy suggestions.
The first recommendation urges government bodies, including the Department of Commerce and the National Security Council, to collaborate with the AI sector to develop chip location verification technologies. The second suggests initiating a comprehensive effort to establish enforcement mechanisms for potential chip export limitations. Notably, it points out that while the U.S. and its allies have imposed restrictions on major systems necessary for chip production, there is a lack of focus on many critical component subsystems—indicating where the administration intends to direct its efforts.
Furthermore, the strategy highlights the necessity for the U.S. to align its efforts in this domain with its international partners.
“The United States must implement stringent export controls on sensitive technologies,” the strategy asserts. “We should motivate our allies to adopt similar controls and avoid compensating for any gaps. Should they fail to comply, the U.S. should utilize measures such as the Foreign Direct Product Rule and secondary tariffs to foster greater global alignment.”
However, the AI strategy does not delve into specifics regarding how it plans to forge global alliances, coordinate with allies on chip export restrictions, or collaborate with domestic AI firms on chip location verification. Instead, it outlines the foundational elements necessary for developing sustainable guidelines for AI chip exports, rather than layering new policies on top of existing frameworks.
The takeaway is clear: implementing chip export restrictions will require additional time. Evidence suggests that this process will be complex and drawn out. For example, the administration has shown inconsistency in its export restriction strategy over the past few months, including recent contradictory actions.
In July, the administration permitted semiconductor companies, such as Nvidia and AMD, to resume sales of AI chips intended for China, just months after imposing licensing restrictions that effectively barred Nvidia from the Chinese market.
Additionally, the administration officially revoked the previous administration’s AI diffusion rule, which limited the amount of AI computing power certain countries could purchase, just days before it was set to take effect.
As the Trump administration prepares to issue several executive orders, the specifics of how these will address the outlined goals remain uncertain.
While the AI strategy discusses the importance of expanding the U.S. AI market globally while maintaining its competitive edge, it lacks detailed plans. Any forthcoming executive orders regarding chip export restrictions are likely to focus on coordinating government departments to establish a clear path forward, rather than providing formal guidelines at this stage.