How Big Tech Influenced Trump to Cancel AI Safety Order

On May 23, 2026, The Guardian reported a significant development in U.S. AI policy: President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a highly anticipated executive order designed to introduce a voluntary government safety review for new artificial intelligence models. This decision came just hours before the scheduled signing ceremony, marking a notable shift away from increased oversight despite mounting public concerns and expert warnings regarding the potential security risks posed by advanced AI. The proposed executive order aimed to create a framework where leading AI companies would voluntarily submit their frontier models to federal agencies for safety testing prior to public release. This initiative was intended to allow the government to evaluate potential national security and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, echoing elements of previous administrations' efforts to establish guardrails for rapidly evolving AI technologies. However, the President's reversal signals a clear preference for accelerating AI innovation and maintaining a competitive edge, particularly against countries like China, over implementing precautionary regulatory measures. According to reports, this last-minute cancellation was heavily influenced by intense lobbying from prominent figures in the tech industry. Executives such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg reportedly engaged in eleventh-hour phone calls with President Trump, arguing that the proposed safety vetting system could stifle the development of this pivotal technology and undermine America's leadership in the global AI race. These industry leaders successfully conveyed concerns that any form of government scrutiny, even voluntary, could be perceived as a "blocker" to innovation and economic growth. The outcome is widely interpreted as a significant victory for the tech industry's long-standing opposition to AI regulation. It reinforces the perception that Silicon Valley has successfully demonstrated its power to quash attempts at regulation in their early stages, thereby preserving its ability to pursue rapid advancements in AI without substantial governmental checks. Critics argue that this decision leaves the door open for unchecked AI development, potentially increasing the risks associated with the technology's societal and cultural impact, including issues of dependence and unforeseen consequences. The President's rationale, citing American dominance and the need to outpace competitors, underscores a policy direction that prioritizes speed and competition over comprehensive safety frameworks.