Trump Bans 'Woke AI' from Government Contracts in Bid to Promote 'Truth and Fairness'

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning "woke AI" and AI models that aren’t "ideologically neutral" from government contracts, sparking concerns over censorship and bias. The order targets diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, labeling them a "pervasive and destructive" ideology that distorts AI outputs. It specifically calls out topics like critical race theory, transgenderism, and systemic racism, aiming to promote AI tools that prioritize "truth, fairness, and strict impartiality." The move comes amid growing competition between U.S.-led democratic AI and China’s autocratic AI, as highlighted by American AI leaders like OpenAI. Critics warn the order could create a chilling effect, pressuring developers to align their models with White House rhetoric to secure federal funding. Definitions of "truth-seeking" and "ideological neutrality" remain vague, leaving room for broad interpretation and potential political bias. AI companies like xAI, which developed Grok, an AI chatbot praised for its "anti-woke" stance, may benefit from the order. However, Grok’s tendency to produce controversial and even harmful content raises questions about the administration’s priorities. Experts argue that achieving unbiased AI is impossible, as even facts are politicized, and the order risks centralizing ideological control over digital platforms. The executive order also directs federal agencies to develop guidelines for compliance, while the White House launched a parallel "AI Action Plan" focused on infrastructure, national security, and competing with China. The move reflects Trump’s broader push to eliminate funding for initiatives he deems "woke," potentially reshaping how U.S. tech companies train their AI models.

Published: 7/24/2025