Trump AI Chip Export Control Bill Advances as Bipartisan Coalition Defies White House
In January 2026, a bipartisan coalition in Congress advanced the AI Overwatch Act to curb President Trump's power to export AI chips to China, defying White House pressure.
A rare bipartisan rebellion is brewing on Capitol Hill as lawmakers move to check Donald Trump's power to authorize semiconductor sales. According to SCMP, a Republican-led panel has joined forces with Democrats to advance a bill that could block AI chip exports to China, brushing aside fierce objections from the White House and industry giant Nvidia.
The Stakes of the Trump AI Chip Export Control Bill
On January 21, 2026, the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved the 'AI Overwatch Act.' This legislation mandates a 30-day review period for the House and Senate to scrutinize and potentially veto export licenses for AI hardware destined for adversaries. The move signals a direct challenge to Trump's strategy of leveraging chip deals as diplomatic bargaining chips.
Bipartisan Defiance Amidst MAGA Backlash
Representative Brian Mast, the Republican chair leading the charge, is now on a collision course with Trump's top AI adviser, David Sacks. Some Republicans fear that without this oversight, the administration might approve the sale of highly advanced chips to Xi Jinping during the high-stakes summit scheduled for April 2026.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
President Trump reversed his Greenland policy at the 2026 Davos summit, ruling out military force and tariffs. Learn about the internal White House rifts and the new NATO framework.
On January 22, 2026, the Trump administration's Operation Catch of the Day intensifies in Maine. ICE raids target thousands as the feud with Governor Mills reaches a breaking point.
At Davos 2026, President Trump reaffirmed his plan for a Greenland acquisition, linking it to NATO negotiations and tariff reliefs while ruling out the use of force.
In a 2026 Davos speech, President Trump ruled out military force for acquiring Greenland, highlighting a shift in U.S. foreign policy and Arctic strategy.
President Trump reversed his Greenland policy at the 2026 Davos summit, ruling out military force and tariffs. Learn about the internal White House rifts and the new NATO framework.
On January 22, 2026, the Trump administration's Operation Catch of the Day intensifies in Maine. ICE raids target thousands as the feud with Governor Mills reaches a breaking point.
At Davos 2026, President Trump reaffirmed his plan for a Greenland acquisition, linking it to NATO negotiations and tariff reliefs while ruling out the use of force.
In a 2026 Davos speech, President Trump ruled out military force for acquiring Greenland, highlighting a shift in U.S. foreign policy and Arctic strategy.