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Justice Department Forms AI Taskforce to Challenge State Regulations

By  |  January 13, 2026

The Justice Department has notified employees that it is establishing a new artificial intelligence taskforce aimed at confronting state-level AI regulations, according to an internal memo reviewed by CBS News. The initiative is designed to clear legal obstacles that the department believes could slow the growth of AI companies and limit innovation.

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    The memo, authored by Attorney General Pam Bondi, points to President Trump’s executive order issued last month that targets what the administration describes as “excessive” state rules governing artificial intelligence. According to CBS, the order argues that a “patchwork” of differing state regulations could undermine the AI industry by creating inconsistent or conflicting requirements across the country. Critics from both parties, however, have questioned whether the federal government should override state efforts to regulate emerging technologies.

    According to CBS, the memo explains that the newly formed AI Litigation Taskforce will examine and potentially challenge state laws it believes are unlawful, improperly regulate interstate commerce, or are preempted by existing federal regulations. The taskforce will operate at the direction of President Trump and is expected to coordinate with senior administration officials on which state laws could face legal action.

    The memo also states that the taskforce will consult with White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, when evaluating state regulations. Per CBS, Sacks has publicly supported the president’s approach, writing on X last month that the executive order “will provide the tools necessary for the federal government to push back against the most onerous and excessive state regulation.”

    Related: EU Plans to Step Up Enforcement of Digital Rules in the Face of US Opposition

    Leadership of the taskforce will fall to Bondi herself or a designated appointee, according to the memo reviewed by CBS. The group will include representatives from the offices of the Deputy and Associate Attorney General, as well as the Justice Department’s Civil Division and the Office of the Solicitor General.

    Several states have already enacted AI-related laws, including Colorado, California, Utah and Texas, while others are considering similar measures. According to the Brookings Institution, most AI bills introduced in state legislatures last year focused on limiting potential harms from AI, such as restricting the use of “deepfakes” and requiring companies to disclose when consumers are interacting with AI chatbots. CBS reports that these efforts reflect growing concern among lawmakers about transparency and misuse of the technology.

    The administration’s move has prompted a response on Capitol Hill. In December, Senate Democrats led by Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts introduced legislation intended to block President Trump’s executive order on state AI regulation. “While I am confident that the courts will strike down Trump’s illegal power grab, Congress has a responsibility to assert its legislative authority and block this Executive Order,” Markey said in a statement at the time, according to CBS News.

    Source: CBS News