California and the White House are escalating a high-stakes debate over who should control AI regulation, with President Trump pushing for a single federal standard and considering an executive order to challenge state authority. The administration is also backing a congressional effort to impose a moratorium on state and local AI rules through the national defense budget. California, meanwhile, is moving forward with its own AI transparency and online safety laws, including SB 53, which requires major AI companies to follow new first-in-the-nation reporting rules starting in January. State leaders argue federal oversight has lagged and say California’s approach could become a national model. The dispute highlights growing concerns over AI safety, tech accountability, and protection for ki

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