- Key Takeaways
- 6 Big Technology Changes Under Trump
- Donald Trump’s relationship with TikTok has been tumultuous. During his previous term, he was one of the first to sound the alarm on national security risks, accusing TikTok of collecting sensitive user data with the goal of destabilizing the US. The debate culminated in a Supreme Court ruling to ban TikTok in January 2025.
- Additional Changes to Watch
- Closing Thoughts
Key Takeaways
- Trump announced plans to end “social media censorship” aiming to limit platforms’ ability to moderate content.
- The president also revoked an executive order requiring rigorous assessments of AI systems, prioritizing innovation over regulation.
- Trump granted TikTok a temporary reprieve, contrasting with earlier efforts to ban the app due to national security concerns.
- Donald Trump also revoked the federal EV mandate, arguing it stifles competition and innovation, giving automakers greater freedom to diversify production strategies.
Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States sent ripples – and even a few shockwaves – through the tech industry. He used his inaugural speech to roll out a new approach to how government interacts with major tech companies: social media, artificial intelligence, and the electric vehicle industry all in his crosshairs.
As we . In this article, we’ll discuss Trump’s promises and explore their potential impact on the tech world’s future.
6 Big Technology Changes Under Trump
1. Social Media Censorship is Out
One of the standout moments from Trump’s speech was his declaration to end what he called “social media censorship”. He accused major platforms of suppressing free speech under the guise of content moderation and vowed to ensure that every voice has an opportunity to be heard.
We’re yet to see how this might be implemented, but his statements suggest a push to limit content moderation, which critics argue allows platforms to act as gatekeepers of public discourse.
Facebook Removes Fact-Checkers
Trump’s stance comes at a time when platforms like Facebook are already adjusting their content moderation policies. Facebook recently removed its third-party fact-checking program, citing criticism over perceived bias and inefficiency. This decision has sparked a mixed reaction.
Supporters believe this move promotes freer dialogue, as fewer posts will be flagged or removed for misinformation. On the other hand, critics argue that it could exacerbate the spread of harmful content and misinformation. Trump’s promise to tackle censorship could reinforce the idea that social media companies should be more transparent and less restrictive.
2. AI Scrutiny Executive Order Revoked
AI has been hailed as a transformative technology, but it is not without risks. Concerns about bias, privacy violations, and job displacement have made AI a focal point for regulators worldwide.
The AI Scrutiny Executive Order was first introduced to monitor and regulate the development of artificial intelligence. It compelled companies to conduct rigorous testing of their AI systems before deployment, to ensuring no harmful outcomes like spreading bias or enabling malicious activities.
One of Trump’s first measures was revoking this order, arguing that it stifled growth and development, particularly as the US seeks to gain dominance in the nascent AI space. While this deregulation may help the US gain the competitive edge, it raises concerns about the ethical implications of unchecked AI. Many argue that without oversight, AI systems could become detrimental to humans.
Stargate AI
Building on this momentum, Trump also announced a huge new AI venture named Stargate, marking a $500bn AI investment in the US. The project will see the US partner with OpenAI, Softbank, and Oracle to develop extensive AI infrastructure intended to make America the global hub of AI data centers.
Trump’s decision reflects a broader theme in his administration, a willingness to prioritize economic growth over regulatory caution, even in emerging fields like AI.
3. TikTok Nationalization
Donald Trump’s relationship with TikTok has been tumultuous. During his previous term, he was one of the first to sound the alarm on national security risks, accusing TikTok of collecting sensitive user data with the goal of destabilizing the US. The debate culminated in a Supreme Court ruling to ban TikTok in January 2025.
Yet as he waited to take office, Trump himself cut a deal with TikTok, using an executive order to push back the ban. He argued that while the platform still warrants scrutiny, banning it outright could disrupt an ecosystem of millions of users and creators.
Notably, he appeared to suggest that 50% of TikTok could be bought by the US, and partially privatized during a televized chat with Oracle CEO.
Trump’s decision has major implications for TikTok’s future and the broader social media landscape. Platforms like Lemon8 and other TikTok alternatives may see slowed growth if TikTok maintains its dominance. However, the reprieve could be temporary, depending on whether the platform meets U.S. regulatory demands.
4. Trump Loves Crypto
Once maligned by Trump himself, crypto has become the darling of the current US administration. The launch of Trump Coin ($TRUMP) days before his official inauguration underscored his embrace of blockchain technology and digital assets. However, it was just the latest of many signals that Trump intends to be kind to the crypto space in the coming four years:
- Department of DOGE: A new temporary organization aiming to reduce wasteful spending and eliminate unnecessary regulations. The DOGE memecoin inspired the name and it came as no surprise that Elon Musk (another crypto advocate) is the one heading the organization.
- Anti-Gary Gensler Sentiment: Trump has openly criticized the former SEC Chair, Gary Gensler, for his hardline stance on crypto, signaling a potential shift toward more crypto-friendly policies. Gensler left his position on January 20 and his replacement will be the pro-crypto Mark Uyeda.
- Trump also pardoned the Silk Road founder Ross William Ulbricht, a move that will surely play well with the crypto space, where Ulbricht has significant support.
First order of business was the creation of the Crypto Task Force within the SEC, headed by Republican commissioner (and Trump-ally) Mark Uyeda. The office is charged with overhauling current crypto legislation, and will likely be instrumental in reshaping – and deregulating – the crypto space.
5. Electric Vehicle Mandate Revoked
Trump also revoked the federal EV mandate, which required automakers to meet stringent EV production quotas as part of the broader climate change stance.
Market leader Tesla, has benefited significantly from these policies, achieving a market capitalization greater than the combined value of the top three traditional automakers. However, Trump argued that the mandate placed undue financial burdens on automakers, stifling innovation and competition. By revoking it, he intends to create a more level playing field for manufacturers while also reducing costs.
Without the mandate, traditional automakers may prioritize gasoline-powered vehicles over EVs, potentially slowing the transition to cleaner transportation. However, it could also encourage innovation by giving companies more freedom to choose their production strategies.
Moreover, it’s worth monitoring how Trump’s notorious partnership with Elon Musk fares through these less than favourable policy changes, which could make a big dent in Tesla’s bottom line.
6. Corporate Tax Cuts
Trump has advocated for corporate tax cuts, similar to his 2017 reforms, which allowed companies like Apple to repatriate overseas profits at lower rates.
The Trump administration hopes to stimulate business growth, attract foreign investment, and encourage companies to reinvest in the domestic economy by lowering corporate tax rates. While tax cuts could lead to job creation and innovation, critics warn they may exacerbate income inequality and increase the national deficit.
At the time of writing, the corporate tax in the United States is 21%. Trump plans to reduce it to 15%. If implemented, this cut could significantly impact industries like technology and manufacturing, further shaping the economic landscape under Trump’s leadership.
Additional Changes to Watch
Trump’s speech hinted at other potential policy shifts, including:
- Antitrust Actions: He expressed concern about monopolistic practices in Big Tech, suggesting stricter enforcement against companies like Google and Amazon.
- Data Privacy Overhaul: Trump called for stronger consumer protections and indicated plans to introduce more robust data privacy regulations.
Closing Thoughts
Donald Trump’s return to the White House marks the beginning of a new chapter for the technology sector. From social media censorship and AI regulation to EV mandates and cryptocurrency, Trump’s policies reflect a bold, pro-business agenda.
Lastly, while these changes could stimulate innovation and economic growth, critics warn of environmental setbacks and increased market volatility.
