Tech Giants Push Back Against State-Level AI Regulations, Lobby for Federal Moratorium.

Tech giants including OpenAI, Meta, and Google are pushing back against US state-level AI regulations by lobbying the White House and Congress. The companies prefer regulating AI use over development, citing potential trillions of dollars in market value. Industry advocates want to shift the focus from regulating AI development to regulating its use by consumers and businesses. Federal AI legislation remains stalled.

Tech giants such as OpenAI, Meta, and Google are actively lobbying the White House and Congress to influence the direction of AI regulations in the United States. These companies are advocating for a shift in focus from regulating AI development to its use by consumers and businesses, citing the potential for trillions of dollars in market value [1].

The tech industry's stance is that regulating AI use can help maintain the competitive edge of American companies in the global AI market. By focusing on AI use rather than development, these companies aim to avoid potential stifling of innovation. However, federal AI legislation remains stalled, with no clear path to resolution.

According to a recent report, a senior White House official, Trent Morse, has left his position to start his own lobbying firm, Morse Strategies. Morse served as deputy assistant to the president and deputy director of the Office of Personnel, where he gained extensive knowledge of the federal government's operations. His new venture will allow him to advise clients on navigating the Trump administration's policies, providing valuable insights into the executive branch's inner workings [2].

Meanwhile, Western Digital has opened its first office in Washington, D.C., to expand its lobbying efforts. The company, which produces hard drives and semiconductors, aims to influence policies related to data storage and artificial intelligence. The appointment of Stacey Dion, a former aide to former House GOP Leader John Boehner, underscores the company's commitment to shaping federal policy [3].

The Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) is also seeking lobbying services to navigate U.S. tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is one of the firms vying for this business, promising strong relationships with key administration officials. However, the firm's pitch deck has faced pushback from Peter Navarro, who questioned the firm's claims [4].

The aviation industry is also lobbying for improvements to air traffic control infrastructure. Airlines for America, the leading trade group for major airlines, has hired former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu as its new president and CEO. Sununu will work with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to secure additional funding for air traffic control improvements [5].

In summary, tech giants and industry leaders are actively engaging in lobbying efforts to shape AI regulations and other key policies. As these efforts continue, the future of AI regulation in the United States remains uncertain, with potential impacts on innovation, market value, and consumer protections.

References:
[1] https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/08/19/white-house-personnel-aide-hanging-a-shingle-00515548
[2] https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/08/19/white-house-personnel-aide-hanging-a-shingle-00515548
[3] https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/08/19/white-house-personnel-aide-hanging-a-shingle-00515548
[4] https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/08/19/white-house-personnel-aide-hanging-a-shingle-00515548
[5] https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/08/19/white-house-personnel-aide-hanging-a-shingle-00515548