Utah Governor Spencer Cox criticized Trump's approaches to gambling and AI regulation
The White House warned Utah lawmakers against passing an AI regulation bill
Cox defended state rights to regulate AI technologies, particularly those affecting children
Cox expressed political differences with Trump on national unity and party direction
📖 Full Retelling
Utah Governor Spencer Cox criticized President Donald Trump's approaches to prediction markets and artificial intelligence during an interview at POLITICO's 2026 Governors Summit on Thursday, February 19, 2026, pushing back against the Trump administration's efforts to limit states' abilities to regulate gambling and AI technologies. Cox called the federal government's position 'preposterous,' particularly responding to CFTC Chair Mike Selig's announcement claiming singular authority over prediction markets. 'Look, this is a joke, and I can't believe he tried to say this with a straight face,' Cox remarked, emphasizing his concern about new technologies' impact on children. 'Once you start selling sexualized chat bots to kids in my state, now I have a problem with that, and I'm going to get involved there, and the Supreme Court is going to back me up.' The White House recently sent a letter to the Utah Legislature warning that a Republican-led AI regulation bill clashes with federal policy, following Trump's December executive order that threatened consequences for states attempting to regulate the burgeoning AI industry. Cox maintained his approach doesn't conflict with his belief that the U.S. should win 'the AI arms race with China and Russia,' arguing that states should support data center construction while regulating technology to prevent harm. Beyond technology policy, Cox clarified his political differences with Trump on national unity, calling his previous hope that Trump could unify the country after the 2024 assassination attempt merely 'aspirational,' and criticized the nativist 'Heritage American' movement within his party as 'a recipe for electoral failure.'
🏷️ Themes
State vs. Federal Regulation, Technology Policy, Political Division
In American political discourse, states' rights are political powers held for the state governments rather than the federal government according to the United States Constitution, reflecting especially the enumerated powers of Congress and the Tenth Amendment. The enumerated powers that are listed i...
Rules and regulations that apply to the gaming or gambling industry
Gambling law is the set of rules and regulations that apply to the gaming or gambling industry. Gaming law is not a branch of law in the traditional sense but rather is a collection of several areas of law that include criminal law, regulatory law, constitutional law, administrative law, company law...
President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.
Born into a wealthy New York City family, Trump graduated from the...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The clash between Utah Governor Spencer Cox and the Trump administration over AI and gambling regulation highlights the tension between state autonomy and federal authority. It raises questions about how emerging technologies will be governed across the country.
Context & Background
Trump executive order warns states that they may face consequences for attempting to regulate AI
CFTC Chair Mike Selig claims federal authority over prediction markets
White House letter cautions Utah lawmakers that an AI regulation bill clashes with federal policy
What Happens Next
The dispute may lead to legal challenges, with Utah potentially seeking Supreme Court support for state regulation. Federal agencies could pursue enforcement actions, while lawmakers debate new legislation to clarify jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal stance on AI regulation?
The Trump administration has issued executive orders warning states that they may face consequences for attempting to regulate AI.
Why does Governor Cox oppose federal interference?
He believes states should have the authority to regulate emerging technologies and protect their residents.
What could happen if Utah passes an AI regulation bill?
The state could face a federal lawsuit and enforcement actions, but it may also secure Supreme Court backing for its regulatory efforts.
Original Source
Cox pushes back on Trump over gambling and AI regulation The White House recently warned Utah lawmakers against passing a bill regulating artificial intelligence. By Samuel Benson 02/19/2026 11:01 AM EST Utah Gov. Spencer Cox criticized the Trump administration’s approaches to prediction markets and artificial intelligence on Thursday — as well as the president’s lack of interest in unifying the country. During an interview at POLITICO’s 2026 Governors Summit, the Republican governor and occasional critic of President Donald Trump pushed back on the Trump administration’s recent efforts to limit states’ abilities to regulate gambling and AI, saying the federal government “coming in and trying to tell us” to back off state-level fixes is “preposterous.” “Look, this is a joke, and I can’t believe he tried to say this with a straight face,” Cox said, referring to CFTC Chair Mike Selig’s announcement earlier this week that the agency has singular authority to regulate prediction markets. “I’m concerned about these new technologies, and what they’re doing to our kids,” Cox added. “It’s one thing if we’re fighting China, and you’re developing your model. But once you start selling sexualized chat bots to kids in my state, now I have a problem with that, and I’m going to get involved there, and the Supreme Court is going to back me up.” Last week, the White House sent a letter to the Utah Legislature warning lawmakers that a Republican-led AI regulation bill clashes with federal policy. Trump also signed a December executive order that warned states of consequences for attempting to regulate the fast-growing industry. Cox said his approach does not conflict with his belief that the U.S. should win “the AI arms race with China and Russia,” and thus states and municipalities should support construction of data centers across the country. “Let’s use this technology to benefit humankind, and let’s regulate it to make sure they don’t destroy humankind,” Cox said. He also made i...
