Story perspectives

Governor Evers Urges Trump to Protect Wisconsin's AI Laws

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin, urged U.S. President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans to halt federal efforts that could undermine Wisconsin's AI laws.
He cited Wisconsin's bipartisan safeguards against AI harms, including laws addressing AI-generated child exploitation and misleading political ads.
He warned that federal preemption could jeopardize these protections and make communities less safe.
He called for cooperation over punishment and for continued state-level action to address AI challenges.

History

Historical Context

In 2021, Wisconsin passed bipartisan laws addressing AI-generated child exploitation and misleading political ads, reflecting a growing concern over technology's societal impact. This mirrors historical debates on state versus federal authority, reminiscent of discussions surrounding the 1996 Telecommunications Act. The ongoing regulatory struggle emphasizes the critical role of local governance in managing the challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

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Story summary

Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin, urged U.S. President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans to halt federal efforts that could undermine Wisconsin's AI laws.
He cited Wisconsin's bipartisan safeguards against AI harms, including laws addressing AI-generated child exploitation and misleading political ads.
He warned that federal preemption could jeopardize these protections and make communities less safe.
He called for cooperation over punishment and for continued state-level action to address AI challenges.

1 / 2