Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Prevents Woke AI in the Federal Government

7/23/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Purpose: Ensure that AI models procured by the Federal government adhere to “Unbiased AI Principles” by prioritizing truthfulness and ideological neutrality.
Unbiased AI Principles: Mandates that large language models (LLMs) be truth-seeking (promoting historical accuracy, scientific inquiry, and objectivity) and ideologically neutral (free from partisan or DEI-driven biases).
Implementation: Directs agency heads to procure only compliant LLMs and instructs the Office of Management and Budget to develop agency guidance; federal contracts must include compliance measures with accountability provisions.
Safeguarding Trust: Aims to prevent biased or misleading AI outputs that could distort historical facts or public information, thereby protecting the integrity of federal services.
Broader Policy Initiative: Terminates and dismantles DEI programs across the Federal government, reversing Biden Administration policies and eliminating DEI influences in federal contracting, spending, and various agencies.
Additional AI Initiatives: Part of a broader strategy to bolster national security, economic prosperity, and technological leadership, including previous orders on advancing AI education, data infrastructure, and the export of American AI technologies.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s emphasis on “Unbiased AI Principles” could impact Vanderbilt University’s research and development in AI, particularly if current projects incorporate DEI principles. This may necessitate a reevaluation of ongoing AI projects to ensure compliance with federal procurement standards.
There is a risk that the removal of DEI considerations in AI could lead to a reduction in diversity and inclusivity in AI outputs, potentially affecting the university’s commitment to these values and its reputation as an inclusive institution.
The mandate for truth-seeking and ideological neutrality in AI models may require Vanderbilt to adjust its AI research methodologies, potentially impacting collaborations with federal agencies and affecting funding opportunities.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of these changes on its AI-related educational programs, ensuring that students are prepared to work with AI systems that adhere to these new federal standards.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute may need to align its research and development projects with the new federal AI procurement standards, potentially affecting ongoing and future projects.
The School of Engineering could see changes in its AI curriculum to incorporate the principles of truth-seeking and ideological neutrality, ensuring that graduates are equipped to work with federally compliant AI systems.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations might need to engage in discussions with federal agencies to understand the implications of these changes and advocate for the university’s interests in AI research and development.
The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion may need to assess the impact of these changes on the university’s DEI initiatives and explore ways to maintain its commitment to diversity and inclusion in light of federal policy shifts.

Financial Impact

The Executive Order could impact Vanderbilt’s ability to secure federal funding for AI research projects that incorporate DEI principles, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies and research focus.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for AI projects that align with the new federal standards, particularly those emphasizing truth-seeking and ideological neutrality.
Vanderbilt may need to invest in training and resources to ensure compliance with the new AI procurement standards, potentially affecting budget allocations for AI research and development.
The shift in federal AI policy could influence the university’s partnerships with industry and government, affecting collaborative research opportunities and funding streams.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the implementation of the Executive Order on AI procurement to understand how these changes might impact federal research funding and collaborations. Engaging with federal agencies to ensure compliance with the new “Unbiased AI Principles” could be crucial for maintaining and securing future contracts.
The Data Science Institute at Vanderbilt should evaluate its AI research and development projects to ensure alignment with the new federal guidelines on truth-seeking and ideological neutrality. This may involve revising project goals and methodologies to meet the criteria set by the Executive Order.
Vanderbilt’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office should assess the potential impacts of the termination of DEI programs across the federal government. This assessment can help the university prepare for changes in federal funding priorities and develop strategies to support DEI initiatives independently.
The School of Engineering should explore opportunities to develop AI technologies that align with the federal government’s focus on truth-seeking and ideological neutrality. By positioning itself as a leader in unbiased AI development, the school can enhance its reputation and attract federal funding.
Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department should conduct research on the broader societal impacts of the Executive Order on AI and DEI policies. This research can provide valuable insights into how these policies affect public trust in AI systems and inform the university’s strategic planning.

Opportunities

The Executive Order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s AI research centers to lead in developing AI models that prioritize truth-seeking and ideological neutrality. By aligning with federal priorities, these centers can secure funding and partnerships to advance their research.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on unbiased AI by hosting conferences and workshops on the ethical implications of AI development. This can position the university as a thought leader in the national conversation on AI ethics and policy.
The emphasis on dismantling DEI programs offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s DEI Office to innovate and develop new strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion within the university, independent of federal mandates.
By engaging with policymakers and industry leaders, Vanderbilt can influence the development of future AI policies and ensure that its research and educational programs remain relevant and impactful.

Relevance Score: 4 (The Executive Order necessitates major process changes for Vanderbilt’s AI and DEI programs due to shifts in federal priorities and funding.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: The order directs agencies to adopt the “Unbiased AI Principles” and for the Director of OMB to issue guidance, but no specific deadlines or compliance periods are identified in the text.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Directed to issue guidance for Federal agencies to procure AI models that meet the Unbiased AI Principles.
Federal Agencies Involved in AI Procurement: All agencies that contract for AI technologies must adhere to the mandated truth-seeking and ideologically neutral standards.
Department of Defense (DoD): Affected by directives to abolish DEI bureaucracy within its contracting and operational frameworks.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Impacted by measures to eliminate DEI practices in its organizational processes.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Subject to specific instructions to dismantle DEI programs as part of a broader effort to restore excellence and safety.
Department of State – Foreign Service: Targeted for DEI removals, as indicated by the memorandum to remove DEI from its practices.

Relevance Score: 3 (Six agencies or agency clusters are directly impacted by this order.)

Responsible Officials

Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Instructed to issue guidance for agencies in implementing the Unbiased AI Principles.
Agency Heads – Directed to procure large language models that adhere to the Unbiased AI Principles as outlined in the Order.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect agency heads, who hold significant authority over procurement and policy implementation within the federal government.)