Trump Eyes Chip Rule Repeal, New AI Curbs on China

Undoing Biden’s Global Chip Strategy

Donald Trump, if re-elected, is reportedly preparing to revoke the Biden administration’s sweeping export curbs on advanced semiconductors, a move that would mark a sharp departure from the current U.S. approach to tech competition with China. According to sources familiar with the matter, Trump aides argue that Biden’s restrictions—which impact a global web of chipmakers—have been too broad and disruptive to U.S. allies and companies. Rather than constraining the global supply chain, Trump’s plan is said to focus on more refined, unilateral measures. The proposed policy shift indicates a pivot from multilateral controls to a more surgical approach, leveraging American dominance in specific technologies without alienating key trade partners or stifling U.S. industry innovation.

Laser-Focused AI Restrictions on China

While Trump would ease global chip restrictions, sources say he intends to impose stricter, highly targeted controls on artificial intelligence technologies with potential military use in China. His allies are reportedly consulting with national security experts and tech executives to design bespoke restrictions that could prevent the Chinese military from acquiring advanced AI systems, especially those developed in the U.S. or reliant on American hardware. The evolving strategy reflects a more tactical outlook—minimizing broad economic fallout while still ratcheting up pressure on China’s tech advancements. If enacted, this dual-track policy could recalibrate U.S.-China tech tensions and reshape the global semiconductor and AI regulation landscape.