President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that blocks states from enforcing their own regulations around artificial intelligence, arguing that a “single national framework” will help boost innovation. However, some GOP-controlled state legislatures are pushing back, arguing it infringes on states' rights. We explore what’s driving this wedge and how it could impact the 2026 midterms.  
For more: <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/10/tech/pro-ai-super-pac-launches-first-candidate-ads">Pro-AI super PAC launches first candidate ads</a> 
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Guests: Utah state Sen. Heidi Balderree (R) &amp; Hadas Gold, CNN AI Correspondent 
Host: David Rind 
Producer: Paola Ortiz 
Senior Producer: Faiz Jamil 
Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

What Rob Reiner Meant to America

Starting August 2, 2026 all new episodes can be found over in the ⁠CNN 5 Things feed.⁠  Search "CNN 5 Things" wherever you get your podcasts.



You’ve been overwhelmed with headlines all week – what's worth a closer look? One Thing takes you beyond the headlines and helps make sense of what everyone is talking about. Host David Rind talks to experts, reporters on the front lines and the real people impacted by the news about what they've learned – and why it matters.