A new draft executive order would prioritize the technology in classrooms by diverting federals towards cultivating “AI literacy” skills amongst students and teachers. Titled “Advancing artificial intelligence education for American youth,” the order states that AI is “driving innovation across industries, enhancing productivity, and reshaping the way we live and work.” It goes on to say, “To ensure the United States remains a global leader in this technological revolution, we must provide our Nation’s youth with opportunities to cultivate the skills and understanding necessary to use and create the next generation of AI technology.” In drafting the new order, the Trump administration may be directly responding to China, whose education ministry announced in recent weeks its own plans to overhaul classrooms by integrating AI applications into textbooks and teaching curriculum. The two countries are competing fiercely to maintain a lead in the artificial intelligence space in hopes that doing so will protect their global influence. China has been trying to unseat the United States as the leading global hegemon. The new executive order would establish a White House task force on AI education, including members from the technology sector like Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Trump’s advisor on crypto and AI, David Sacks.

A new executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday aims to integrate artificial intelligence education throughout American schools, potentially impacting districts across Central Georgia.

AI is “rapidly transforming the modern world, driving innovation across industries, enhancing productivity, and reshaping the way we live and work,” the White House noted, adding that it is therefore essential to foster “AI competency” to “equip our students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to and thrive in an increasingly digital society.” Rather than shunning AI or limiting the technology to specialized elective studies, the Trump administration seeks to transform education by implementing AI courses throughout core curriculum, ensuring U.S. students become AI literate — no matter what their career paths — as AI is expected to someday be integrated in every facet of society. Early learning and exposure prepares students “to become active and responsible participants in the workforce of the future and nurturing the next generation of American AI innovators” which will “propel our nation to new heights of scientific and economic achievement,” the White House said. The Trump administration asserted the U.S. must “invest in our educators and equip them with the tools and knowledge to not only train students about AI, but also to utilize AI in their classrooms to improve educational outcomes.” “Professional development programs focused on AI education will empower educators to confidently guide students through this complex and evolving field,” the White House added. Trump’s executive order calls for the creation of a White House Task Force on AI Education responsible for implementing the stated policy and establishing a “Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge” in which students and educators compete to showcase their AI skills.