The Trump administration released an “AI Action Plan” on July 23 aimed at maintaining U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.

The plan outlines over 90 federal policy actions across three main areas: accelerating innovation, strengthening AI infrastructure and advancing international diplomacy and security.

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Key initiatives in the plan include:

• Exporting U.S. AI Capabilities: The Commerce and State Departments will work with industry to provide secure AI export packages, including hardware, software, models, and standards, to allied nations.
• Expanding Data Infrastructure: The administration plans to streamline permits for data centers and semiconductor facilities, while launching initiatives to grow the skilled trades workforce, such as electricians and HVAC technicians.
• Removing Regulatory Barriers: Federal agencies will eliminate regulations seen as obstacles to AI development and will solicit private sector input on additional reforms.
• Ensuring Objectivity in AI Procurement: Procurement guidelines will be updated to prioritize contracts with developers of frontier language models that are free from political or ideological bias.

Following the release, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) each expressed support for the plan.

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NAW said that several of its earlier recommendations — submitted during the administration’s March Request for Information — were included in the final AI Action Plan. These included calls for a federal framework to support long-term AI innovation and infrastructure, and better use of existing laws and funding programs.

“NAW looks forward to continuing to work with the administration to ensure the outcomes from the Action Plan support further AI deployment and adoption across the wholesale distribution industry,” the association said.

NAM likewise said it contributed feedback during the plan’s development, adding how manufacturers are currently using AI on shop floors and in operations. In May, the organization released policy recommendations aimed at promoting AI development and adoption in the manufacturing sector, including proposals to adjust AI regulations to support U.S. competitiveness.

“We’ve been calling for a pro-AI policy environment — one that supports innovation and responsible integration of AI into real-world operations,” NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said in the company’s July 23 statement. “That means not rushing to impose burdensome laws or regulations when workable rules already exist. It means adopting requirements that are tailored to specific use cases of AI. It also means light-touch regulations that limit compliance costs so small and medium-sized manufacturers aren’t locked out of this technology.

To read more about the AI Action Plan, click here.