White House AI Plan Reflects Manufacturers’ AI Priorities
Underscores How Manufacturers Are Already Leading in AI Innovation
Washington, D.C. – Following the release of the White House’s AI Action Plan today, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement:
“Reflecting President Trump’s vision for the United States to lead on artificial intelligence, the White House’s AI Action Plan underscores what manufacturers across the country already know: AI is no longer a future ambition—it is already central to modern manufacturing. For years, manufacturers have been developing and deploying AI-driven technologies—machine vision, digital twins, robotics and more—to make shop floors safer, strengthen supply chains and drive growth.
“Manufacturers have been leading the charge to shape AI policy that accelerates innovation while ensuring appropriate guardrails. The White House’s plan reflects many of the recommendations we’ve put forward—from permitting reform for all energy sources so we can unleash American energy dominance, to a smarter, more targeted regulatory approach, to supporting workforce development and ensuring small and medium manufacturers can access these technologies. With nearly 400,000 open jobs in manufacturing, we need to invest in the workforce of tomorrow—training existing workers to use AI technologies and attracting new high-skilled talent into the sector.
“We’ve been calling for a pro-AI policy environment—one that supports innovation and responsible integration of AI into real-world operations. That means not rushing to impose burdensome laws or regulations when workable rules already exist. It means adopting requirements that are tailored to specific use cases of AI. It also means light-touch regulations that limit compliance costs so small and medium-sized manufacturers aren’t locked out of this technology.
“The White House plan answers that call.”
Background:
Manufacturers have been at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge AI systems that are transforming shop floors and revolutionizing operations.
In March, the NAM submitted comments to inform the White House’s development of an AI Action Plan, explaining how manufacturers are using AI on shop floors and in operations, with specific recommendations on rebalancing and right-sizing AI regulations to enhance America’s global AI dominance.
In May, the NAM proposed a series of policy recommendations for policymakers to drive AI development and adoption in manufacturing, and the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the digital transformation division of the NAM, released a groundbreaking report, “Shaping the AI-Powered Factory of the Future,” revealing that 51% of manufacturers already deploy AI in their operations, and 80% say AI will be essential to growing or maintaining their business by 2030. This is not just about efficiency—it’s about competitiveness, innovation and the future of American industry.
In May 2024, the NAM published “Working Smarter: How Manufacturers Are Using Artificial Intelligence”—a report that explains the ways in which manufacturers are using AI already, making the technology integral to modern manufacturing with manufacturers at the forefront of developing and implementing AI systems.
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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector rese arch and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.