Gregory Dawson
From governance to execution in federal AI policy
Global artificial intelligence spending is forecasted to reach $2.5 trillion in 2026, according to one estimate, marking a 44% increase year-over-year. In 2027, spending is expected to reach $3.3 trillion, reflecting another 32% increase year-over-year.
Where does federal AI spending stand in 2026?
In July 2025, the Trump administration released its blueprint for artificial intelligence—America’s AI Action Plan—with a focus on deregulation and infrastructure investment to achieve “global AI dominance.” The plan represents a notable shift from previous, more cautious AI policies of the Biden era and emphasizes removing regulatory barriers and “ideological” bias in AI.
Why AI policy thrives in some states and fades in others
Discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) are occurring at all levels of government, including federal, state, and local, as each entity tries to understand, leverage, and protect from AI. In August 2025, Brookings identified the states leading and lagging on AI governance, along with the salience of different issues associated with the technology.