As Minnesotans, we’re no strangers to innovation. From cutting-edge medical research to a thriving tech scene, our state has long been a hub for forward-thinking ideas. With the recent inauguration of President Donald Trump in January, it’s essential to consider how the new administration’s stance on AI regulation might impact our state’s innovators, businesses and residents.
The Trump administration has signaled a preference for a deregulatory approach to AI. On Jan. 23, 2025, Trump signed an executive order titled “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence” that is aimed at fostering AI development “free from ideological bias.” This order revokes former President Joe Biden’s 2023 executive order, which had established safety guidelines for generative AI and required developers to share safety test results with the government before public release. The new directive mandates a review of all policies stemming from Biden’s order, with instructions to suspend any that do not align with goals of promoting human flourishing, economic competitiveness and national security. Additionally, it calls for the development of an AI action plan within 180 days, led by a select group of White House technology and science officials.
This deregulatory approach could have both benefits and drawbacks for Minnesota. On the one hand, a more relaxed regulatory environment could accelerate AI innovation in our state, potentially attracting new businesses and investment opportunities.
However, the removal of federal safety guidelines raises concerns about safety, ethics and public trust. Without adequate safeguards, AI technologies could be used to spread misinformation, compromise personal data or perpetuate biases. This could have serious consequences for Minnesotans — particularly in areas like healthcare, finance and education — where AI is increasingly being used to make critical decisions.
To address these concerns, Minnesota can take a proactive approach to establishing guidelines for AI development and deployment. Our state lawmakers can work with industry leaders, academics and consumer advocacy groups to develop regulations that promote innovation while protecting public interests.
One potential model for Minnesota to follow is the European Union’s AI Act, which establishes a comprehensive framework for AI regulation based on risk assessment. By adopting a similar approach, Minnesota can ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a way that prioritizes safety, transparency and accountability.
Minnesota’s business community can also play a crucial role in promoting responsible AI development. By prioritizing ethics and transparency in their AI initiatives, companies can help build public trust and demonstrate the benefits of AI for Minnesota’s economy and society.
Furthermore, Minnesota can leverage its strong tradition of public-private partnerships to drive AI innovation and regulation. By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, academics and government officials, our state can develop AI solutions that address pressing societal challenges, such as healthcare disparities, environmental sustainability and workforce development.
Finally, as Minnesotans, we must remain vigilant and engaged in the conversation about AI regulation. We should demand that our elected officials prioritize a balanced approach to AI policy, one that fosters innovation while protecting public interests.
By working together, we can ensure that the benefits of AI innovation are shared by all Minnesotans while minimizing the risks and negative consequences. The future of AI in Minnesota is bright, but it’s up to us to shape it in a way that promotes prosperity, equity and social responsibility.
Manjeet Rege is a professor and the chair of the Department of Software Engineering and Data Science in the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. He also serves as the university’s director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence.
