Stocks to Watch as Trump Unveils America’s AI Action Plan
The Trump administration has been active on the policy front, issuing a wave of executive orders aimed at boosting strategic industries. We’ve already reported on initiatives related to the eVTOL and drone sectors, as well as nuclear energy. This week, the White House unveiled its latest move: America’s AI Action Plan — a comprehensive strategy to cement U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.
Built around three pillars—accelerating AI innovation, building infrastructure, and strengthening global influence—the plan represents a major shift toward deregulation and rapid growth. In short, it aims to cut red tape, expand AI infrastructure like data centers and chip fabs, and promote U.S.-developed AI abroad.
Below, we break down the key initiatives and what they could mean for the broader economy—plus highlight stocks that may benefit.
Innovation Push
The plan removes regulatory barriers to help startups and large tech firms scale AI faster. It encourages open-source AI models to reduce reliance on big tech and promotes broad adoption across sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. The administration also wants federal agencies and the military to expand AI use internally, while updating procurement rules to avoid politically biased systems. Education and job retraining in AI and chip-related skills are also key components.
Infrastructure Buildout
To support AI growth, the plan proposes fast-tracking permits for data centers, semiconductor plants, and energy projects. It emphasizes reshoring chip production and investing in the power grid to meet rising electricity demands from AI workloads. Security is also a priority: new military-grade cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity standards are in the works.
International Strategy
The U.S. will boost AI exports to allies while tightening restrictions on China and other rivals. That includes limiting access to advanced chips and semiconductor tools and urging partners not to fill gaps left by U.S. bans. The plan also seeks to lead in global AI standards and invest in biosecurity tools to prevent misuse of powerful models.
How Might These Developments Shape the Market?
In simple terms, the AI Action Plan is bullish for the AI ecosystem. By cutting red tape, fast-tracking infrastructure, and boosting domestic capacity, the U.S. government is signaling it wants to supercharge growth across the sector. For investors, this could have broad implications:
AI Infrastructure Boom
Expect a surge in spending on data centers, chip fabs, and energy projects. With permitting processes streamlined, companies building or operating these facilities—especially cloud providers and AI server operators—will benefit from faster expansion at lower costs. Utility and energy firms may also gain as demand spikes for power to support growing AI workloads. Altogether, this signals the rise of an “AI industrial base” supporting a much wider tech economy.
U.S. Semiconductor Resurgence
The plan puts a spotlight on restoring domestic chip manufacturing, aiming to bring more fabrication and chip design back to U.S. soil. Companies involved in fab construction, semiconductor tooling, and chip R&D stand to benefit from subsidies and deregulation. While tighter controls on China could mean some near-term revenue loss for firms with Chinese exposure, the policy banks on growth from allied markets and local demand to offset it.
Sector-Wide AI Adoption
By creating AI sandboxes and pushing AI into areas like healthcare, defense, and finance, the government is trying to stimulate broad commercial adoption. Enterprise software companies, AI consultants, and cloud platforms could see growing demand from traditional industries looking to automate, analyze, and modernize with AI. Meanwhile, federal agencies and the military represent a massive customer base for AI contracts—especially in logistics, surveillance, and internal operations.
Cybersecurity and “Trusted AI” Growth
As AI integrates into critical systems, security is a top concern. Firms offering AI-powered cybersecurity tools, algorithm auditing, and compliance tech may see a wave of new demand. The government is expected to establish new standards for “trustworthy AI,” which could lead to certification opportunities and a new niche for vendors specializing in explainability, bias mitigation, or secure model design.
Global Tech Realignment
The international strategy favors U.S.-aligned tech companies in cloud, chips, and AI software. As America promotes its “AI stack” abroad, firms like Nvidia, Microsoft, and AWS may gain access to new allied markets. At the same time, Chinese firms like Baidu may face new export challenges as the U.S. works to limit rivals’ access to advanced AI tools and customers.
Stocks in the Spotlight
America’s AI Action Plan could reshape the landscape for dozens of public companies. Here are the notable tickers—across semiconductors, cloud, cybersecurity, and defense—most likely to see upside or headwinds from the new policies:
Semiconductors & AI Hardware
- Nvidia ($NVDA): Stands to gain from booming demand for AI chips driven by exports and domestic data center growth. But tighter China export rules could cap upside.
- AMD ($AMD): Benefits from growing data center and government demand, plus tailwinds from U.S. chip reshoring efforts.
- Intel ($INTC): A direct winner of the “Made in America” chip agenda. New fabs and funding support its expansion plans.
- TSMC ($TSM): Though based in Taiwan, its U.S. fabs stand to benefit from faster permits. Geopolitical risks remain a factor.
- GlobalFoundries ($GFS): Gains from CHIPS Act support and the need for secure U.S. chip supply across sectors.
- Applied Materials ($AMAT): Fab toolmaker poised to benefit from increased U.S. chip plant construction—though China controls could impact overseas sales.
Cloud, AI Platforms & Big Tech
- Microsoft ($MSFT): Azure and OpenAI partnerships make it central to both public and private sector AI adoption. Strong federal alignment.
- Alphabet ($GOOGL): Gains from hands-off regulation, global AI exports, and alignment with open-source priorities.
- Amazon ($AMZN): AWS is key AI infrastructure. Faster data center builds and lighter regulation support both cloud and retail automation.
- Meta ($META): Its open-source strategy aligns well with the government’s AI philosophy. May also benefit from lighter content oversight.
Data Infrastructure & Networking
- Arista Networks ($ANET): Networking backbone provider for AI data centers. Secure U.S. sourcing push may give it an edge.
- Equinix ($EQIX): Data center REIT likely to benefit from faster permitting and rising demand for AI computing space.
Cybersecurity & “Trusted AI”
- CrowdStrike ($CRWD): Offers AI-powered threat detection. Fits into national goals for securing critical infrastructure.
- Palo Alto Networks ($PANW): Broad AI-based security tools align with increased federal and enterprise focus on cyber defense.
- Palantir ($PLTR): A top candidate for AI contracts in defense and civilian agencies. Well positioned as a long-term government partner.
Enterprise AI & Industrial Adoption
- C3.ai ($AI): Focused on enterprise and government AI deployments. Could gain from accelerated AI rollout across sectors.
Final Takeaway
America’s AI Action Plan makes one thing clear: AI is now a top national priority. For investors, that means we’re entering a phase of accelerated AI deployment—fueled by government support across infrastructure, chipmaking, cloud, and cybersecurity.
From hardware to software to defense, companies leading in AI are positioned to benefit. Risks remain—geopolitical tensions, project execution, and separating real value from hype—but the policy tailwind is strong. Understanding these themes helps investors spot where the momentum is heading—and which stocks may ride the next wave of U.S.-backed AI growth.
This article is for informational purposes only and is neither investment advice nor a solicitation to buy or sell securities. All investment involves inherent risks, including the total loss of principal, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Always conduct thorough research or consult with a financial expert before making any investment decisions. BBAE has no position in any investment mentioned.
