News DOJ AI Litigation Task Force 2026
January 9, 2026 — Attorney General Pam Bondi established the DOJ AI Litigation Task Force via memorandum to all DOJ employees, tasking it with challenging state AI laws in federal court.[1][2][3]
Background
The task force was created pursuant to President Trump's December 11, 2025 Executive Order directing federal agencies to identify and contest state AI regulations that obstruct national AI policy.[4][2]
Leadership
The Attorney General chairs the task force, with the Associate Attorney General serving as vice chair.[1] Additional members are drawn from senior DOJ units including the Office of the Solicitor General and the Civil Division.[1][2]
Mission
The task force's sole responsibility is to challenge state AI laws deemed inconsistent with federal priorities.[1] It contests such laws on grounds that they "unconstitutionally regulate interstate commerce," are preempted by federal regulations, or are "otherwise unlawful."[1][3] The task force coordinates with White House officials including the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy.[1]
Key Activities
- Reviewing Colorado's AI Act (effective June 2026)[5]
- Assessing California's SB 53 and AB 2013[5]
- Evaluating New York's RAISE Act[5]
- Conditioning $21 billion in BEAD broadband funds on compliance with federal AI policy[3]