How Trump’s new AI push is reshaping Silicon Valley’s relationship with Washington

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping new plan Wednesday to cement US leadership in artificial intelligence, signing three executive orders aimed at fast-tracking exports of AI technology, slashing regulations, and accelerating the build-out of energy-hungry data centres. The announcement was delivered at a high-profile Washington event co-hosted by the Hill and Valley Forum and the “All-In” podcast — both helmed by prominent Trump-aligned tech leaders, the Washington Post reported.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, investor Chamath Palihapitiya, and White House AI czar David Sacks were among the applauding attendees as Trump railed against regulatory barriers and promoted what he called “common-sense innovation.” The executive orders rolled back Biden-era AI safeguards and took aim at what Trump called “woke AI,” referencing allegations by his Silicon Valley backers that chatbots show liberal bias.

Red tape rollback and support for data centre expansion

The 23-page AI policy framework promises to reduce delays in building AI infrastructure, such as data centres, by streamlining federal and state permitting procedures. One order threatens to withhold federal AI funding from states with burdensome environmental rules — a move that pleased many in the industry but alarmed environmental advocates, who warn that the AI boom is already straining US power grids.

Trump also directed agencies to review antitrust investigations initiated during the Biden administration, particularly those launched by FTC Chair Lina Khan. Silicon Valley investors had long viewed Khan’s aggressive scrutiny of Big Tech as a deterrent to innovation and funding.

Favours for friends: Crypto, tax cuts, and AI supremacy

Trump’s recent policy moves have repeatedly rewarded his Silicon Valley allies. His administration pushed Canada to abandon a proposed tax on digital firms, signed legislation favourable to cryptocurrency investors, and reinstated generous tax deductions for corporate research through his “One Big Beautiful Bill.” His AI plan now further extends that alliance by giving tech companies an influential role in shaping global AI standards.

“He is rolling out the red carpet,” said Jacob Helberg, Trump’s nominee for undersecretary of state and co-founder of the Hill and Valley Forum.

After-party diplomacy and lingering tensions

Following the event at the Mellon Auditorium, top tech and administration figures planned to mingle at an exclusive after-party hosted by Hill and Valley’s co-founders. Attendees reportedly included OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who was expected to speak, along with Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor and several major venture capitalists.

Despite Trump’s coziness with a tech elite long aligned with Democratic administrations, the relationship is not without friction. His tariffs continue to raise costs for devices manufactured abroad, and companies like Google, Apple and Meta remain in court fighting federal antitrust suits.

A rightward shift in tech policy tone

Trump’s tone and policies represent a stark reversal from President Joe Biden’s approach, which emphasized AI risk mitigation, bias prevention, and international safeguards. During his speech, Trump mocked Biden’s regulatory agenda and described AI as “a beautiful baby” that must be allowed to “thrive” free from overreach.

With allies like David Sacks and Michael Kratsios — both former venture capitalists — now steering tech policy inside the White House, industry leaders feel newly empowered. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s global affairs chief, said the shift in Washington has been dramatic.

“They understand the technology, they understand the financial markets,” Lehane said. “They have the trust at the highest levels of the White House.”