Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Promotes the Export of American AI Technologies

7/23/2025

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Action Summary

Export Promotion Initiative: President Trump signed an Executive Order on July 23, 2025, aimed at promoting the export of full-stack American AI technology packages to allies and partners worldwide.
American AI Exports Program: The Order directs the Secretary of Commerce to create and implement a program supporting U.S. AI export packages that include hardware, data systems, AI models, cybersecurity measures, and applications across key sectors.
Compliance and Support: All export packages must adhere to export controls and related requirements, with proposals reviewed for support measures such as loans, guarantees, and technical assistance by the Economic Diplomacy Action Group.
Strategic Objectives: The initiative aims to bolster American economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness by advancing U.S. leadership in AI technologies and reducing reliance on adversarial systems.
Historical Context: This Order follows previous Executive Orders:
- 2019: First Executive Order on AI established to prioritize American AI leadership.
- 2020: Guidance for Federal agency adoption of AI enhancing service delivery and public trust.
- January 2025: Order to reverse Biden Administration AI policies.
- April 2025: Order to advance AI education for American youth.
Global Influence: Exporting AI technologies is intended to strengthen alliances, promote U.S. standards and governance models, and maintain technological dominance.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order to promote the export of American AI technologies could lead to increased competition in the global AI market. This may pressure U.S. educational institutions, including Vanderbilt University, to enhance their AI research and development capabilities to remain competitive.
There is a risk that the focus on exporting AI technologies might divert resources away from domestic AI research and education, potentially affecting the quality and sustainability of AI programs within the U.S.
The implementation of this order depends heavily on compliance with export controls and other relevant requirements. Any delays or non-compliance could hinder the effectiveness of the proposed initiatives.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in AI export policies could affect its partnerships with international institutions and its ability to attract international students and researchers.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased demand for research and expertise in AI technologies and export compliance. This could present opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and international partners.
Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate changes in AI research priorities and funding opportunities, particularly those related to export and international collaboration.
The Office of International Affairs could play a crucial role in supporting international partnerships and ensuring compliance with export regulations, helping to maintain Vanderbilt’s global presence in AI research and education.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with AI-focused companies and research institutions may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new export policies and priorities.

Financial Impact

The focus on exporting AI technologies could impact the funding landscape for AI research and education, potentially leading to increased financial support for institutions that align with the national AI export strategy.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize AI export initiatives. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in AI technologies and export compliance, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Commerce and other federal agencies.
As AI export becomes more prevalent, there could be a shift in the demographics of students and researchers applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and research funding distribution.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore partnerships with the Department of Commerce to align its AI research and development with the American AI Exports Program. By doing so, the university can position itself to contribute to and benefit from the export of AI technologies, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education.
The Office of Federal Relations should engage with the Economic Diplomacy Action Group to identify opportunities for Vanderbilt to receive support for AI-related projects. This could include securing loans, guarantees, or technical assistance to enhance the university’s AI infrastructure and capabilities.
Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute should focus on developing AI models and applications that comply with export controls and relevant requirements. This will ensure that the university’s AI innovations are eligible for inclusion in the full-stack AI export packages promoted by the Executive Order.
The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess the potential for commercializing Vanderbilt’s AI technologies in alignment with U.S. standards and governance models. By doing so, the university can contribute to maintaining America’s technological dominance and secure economic growth.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Research should prioritize AI research initiatives that align with national priorities and standards. This will enhance the university’s competitiveness in securing federal funding and support for AI projects.

Opportunities

The Executive Order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to expand its research on AI applications in education. By leveraging its expertise, Peabody can contribute to the development of AI-driven educational tools and programs that align with national priorities.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the focus on AI by developing new interdisciplinary programs that integrate AI with fields like healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. This could enhance the university’s reputation as a leader in AI innovation and education.
The emphasis on AI standards and governance models offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing insights into AI regulation and governance, the law school can influence national and international AI policies.
By engaging with international partners and allies, Vanderbilt can position itself as a global leader in AI research and education. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on AI innovation and governance can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for AI thought leadership.

Relevance Score: 4 (The Executive Order presents significant opportunities for Vanderbilt to align its AI initiatives with national priorities, requiring major process changes to capitalize on these opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

Timeline for Implementation

N/A — The directive does not specify an enforcement delay or deadline for establishing and implementing the American AI Exports Program.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Commerce: The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with establishing and implementing the American AI Exports Program to promote the export of full-stack American AI technology packages, thereby driving U.S. economic and strategic interests in AI globally.
Economic Diplomacy Action Group: This group is designated to review and select proposals for export support—such as loans, guarantees, and technical assistance—ensuring that American AI technologies are effectively promoted among allies and partners.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only a couple of agencies are directly impacted by this Executive Order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Commerce – Charged with establishing and implementing the American AI Exports Program, as well as reviewing and selecting proposals for export support.
Economic Diplomacy Action Group – Serves as the mechanism through which proposals receive economic support, including loans, guarantees, and technical assistance.

Relevance Score: 4 (The directives directly affect agency heads, specifically the Cabinet-level Secretary of Commerce, with significant implications for U.S. economic and technological leadership.)