Executive Order 14110, formally titled the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, was the 126th executive order signed by U.S. President Joe Biden. Issued on October 30, 2023, it defined the administration's policy goals for governing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the United States. The order aimed to balance the promotion of innovation in the AI industry with the mitigation of risks related to civil liberties, national security, and consumer protection. It is widely regarded as the most comprehensive piece of AI governance enacted by the U.S. government. The order was rescinded by President Donald Trump within hours of his inauguration on January 20, 2025, marking a reversal of the prior administration's approach to AI regulation.
Background
The drafting of Executive Order 14110 was motivated by the rapid advancement of generative AI models in the early 2020s, particularly the release of large language models like ChatGPT by OpenAI. The pace of development raised concerns among experts about potential harms, including the spread of misinformation, discriminatory outcomes, and threats to national security. The order was the third U.S. executive order explicitly addressing AI, following two signed by former President Trump. In August 2023, Arati Prabhakar, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, indicated that the White House was accelerating work on AI-related executive actions, with guidance from the Office of Management and Budget expected soon after the order's release.
Policy Goals and Provisions
The executive order sought to capture the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, as President Biden stated that AI was developing at "warp speed" and that governance was needed to "realize the promise of AI and avoid the risk." Key policy goals included promoting competition and innovation in the AI industry, upholding civil and labor rights, protecting consumers and privacy, developing watermarking systems for AI-generated content, and ensuring U.S. global leadership in AI. The order mandated several major federal agencies to create dedicated chief artificial intelligence officer positions and directed them to take specific actions aligned with these objectives.
Impact on Agencies
Creation of Chief AI Officer Positions
The order required a number of large federal agencies to appoint a chief AI officer, with some departments having already established such roles prior to its signing. In the days following the order, FedScoop confirmed that the General Services Administration (GSA) and the United States Department of Education had appointed dedicated chief AI officers daily, while the National Science Foundation (NSF) elevated an existing official to oversee AI-related activities.
Department Responsibilities
Under the terms of the order, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was tasked with developing AI-related security guidelines, including those for cybersecurity, and coordinating with private sector firms in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy to address AI-enabled threats. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs was directed to launch an AI technology competition aimed at reducing occupational burnout among healthcare workers by deploying AI-assisted tools for routine tasks. The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was mandated to develop a generative AI-focused resource to supplement its existing AI Risk Management Framework, providing guidance on testing, evaluation, and verification of AI systems.
Analysis
Executive Order 14110 was considered the most comprehensive U.S. government directive on AI governance at the time, following earlier initiatives like the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and voluntary safety commitments from major tech companies in 2023. The order came amid ongoing legislative efforts in the 118th United States Congress, including calls from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for AI regulation. However, as noted by Axios, the order did not address certain proposals, such as a licensing regime for advanced AI models (supported by industry figures like Sam Altman), a prohibition on high-risk AI uses, or mandatory disclosure of training data and model information by tech companies.
Reception
Political and Media Reception
The Houston Chronicle editorial board described the order as a "first step toward protecting humanity." Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Ted Lieu, praised the initiative, with Representative Don Beyer, chair of the House AI Caucus, calling it a "comprehensive strategy for responsible innovation" while urging Congress to pass legislation. Criticism came from Senator Ted Cruz, who framed the order as creating "barriers to innovation disguised as safety measures."
Public Reception
Polling from the AI Policy Institute indicated that 69% of voters supported the executive order, while 15% opposed it. Support was highest among Democrats at 78%, with 65% of independents and 64% of Republicans expressing approval, suggesting broad bipartisan public backing.
Industry Reception
The Chamber of Commerce and tech industry groups, including NetChoice and the Software and Information Industry Association, strongly criticized the order. These organizations, which count major companies like Amazon , Meta , and Google among their members, argued that the order threatened to hinder private sector innovation by imposing burdensome requirements.
Civil Society Reception
According to CNBC, leaders of advocacy organizations praised the order for its provisions on AI fairness, particularly in areas like hiring, lending, and access to critical services. The order's emphasis on preventing discrimination and ensuring equitable outcomes was seen as a positive step, though some groups called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and additional safeguards.
Legacy and Revocation
Executive Order 14110 remained in effect for just over a year, during which federal agencies began implementing its requirements, including the appointment of chief AI officers and the development of technical standards. On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump rescinded the order within hours of assuming office, signaling a shift in federal AI policy away from the regulatory framework established by the Biden administration. The revocation sparked debate over the future of AI governance in the United States, with advocates for regulation expressing concern about potential gaps in oversight, while industry supporters celebrated reduced compliance burdens. As of the revocation, the long-term effects of the order and its rescission on the AI industry and public trust remain to be seen.