AI PAC campaign urges Trump, Congress for national AI standard

A super PAC, financially bolstered by key players in the artificial intelligence industry, has launched a $10 million campaign aimed at influencing Congress to establish a unified national AI policy, preempting the growing complexity of differing state regulations. The group revealed this initiative to CNBC on Monday.

“Leading the Future,” the organization behind this campaign, emerged earlier this year with an initial investment exceeding $100 million. This latest move underscores the AI sector’s growing ambition to wield its significant financial resources and influence in the upcoming midterm elections.

Nathan Leamer, executive director of “Build American AI,” the PAC’s advocacy arm, emphasized the perceived public support for federal intervention. “There is broad public demand for congressional action and a uniform national approach to AI,” Leamer stated. “We are excited to have created this platform for Americans excited about the future of AI, to engage their members of Congress and make a difference.” This suggests the PAC aims to mobilize public opinion to pressure lawmakers.

The campaign will employ a multi-pronged approach, including television, digital, and social media advertisements. Internal memos indicate a push to generate 10,000 calls to congressional offices within the week, demonstrating an aggressive strategy to make their concerns heard.

Former President Donald Trump has already publicly voiced similar sentiments, advocating for a single federal standard to replace the evolving landscape of state-level AI regulations on his social media platform. This stance aligns with the general pro-industry view the Trump administration held, where it looked to remove regulatory barriers.

Leamer himself alluded to the PAC’s influence within political circles, publicly sharing an image from the White House where he says he met with officials to advocate for a national AI standards framework.

This campaign to preempt state AI laws comes as the White House and some congressional Republicans explore avenues to limit states’ autonomy in regulating the burgeoning technology. Sources within these discussions suggest potential legislative maneuvers, possibly through riders attached to upcoming must-pass spending bills.

A leaked draft executive order further fueled speculation, outlining the creation of an “AI Litigation Task Force” with the power to challenge state AI laws and even withhold federal funding as a deterrent. This approach reflects a strategic power play, potentially shifting regulatory authority to the federal level.

While a senior official indicated that Trump is expected to sign executive orders related to AI, itremains unclear whether the anticipated order is identical to the draft previously leaked.

“Leading the Future” receives backing from several prominent figures and firms in the AI industry, including Andreessen Horowitz, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, AI search engine company Perplexity, and SV Angel founder Ron Conway. This high-profile support base grants the PAC significant clout and financial leverage.

The PAC has already identified its initial target for the 2026 midterms: New York Assemblymember Alex Bores who is currently running for Congress. Bores, co-sponsor of the RAISE Act, which seeks to establish safety protocols for major AI companies, now faces strong opposition based on his support for state-level safeguards which the PAC views as roadblocks against innovation.

“We should eventually have a federal AI standard. I strongly agree with that,” Bores stated, while speaking on CNBC commenting on the PAC’s challenge to his campaign.

“But what is being debated right now is, should we stop the states from making any progress before the feds have solved the problem, or should we actually work together to have the federal government solve the problem?” Bores added, highlighting the core issue between differing approaches to AI governance.