The U.S. government is increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency in its operations, but significant barriers to progress remain, including workforce capacity and a risk-averse culture. Over the past three years, AI usage has expanded from 21 agencies in 2023 to 41 by 2025, marking a notable 69% increase in distinct AI projects, primarily concentrated in larger agencies. Despite this growth, challenges such as slow hiring timelines and lack of career advancement opportunities for technologists continue to hinder broader integration. The federal government has prioritized AI through strategic initiatives across multiple administrations, emphasizing the need for improved service delivery and national competitiveness.
US Government: The federal government of the United States manages national governance, public services, security, and policy implementation across numerous agencies. Under consecutive administrations including the current Trump administration, it has prioritized integrating artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and national competitiveness. Recent analysis shows accelerating AI adoption concentrated in larger agencies, tempered by ongoing challenges in workforce capacity and organizational culture.
Valerie Wirtschafter: Valerie Wirtschafter is a fellow at the Brookings Institution focusing on foreign policy and artificial intelligence through its Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Initiative. She authored the recent report on federal AI adoption, synthesizing data on use cases and conducting interviews across multiple agencies to identify bottlenecks. Her recommendations emphasize streamlining talent pipelines, building AI literacy, and prioritizing transparent, high-impact applications.
Brookings Institution: The Brookings Institution is a leading think tank that produces independent research and policy analysis on critical issues including technology and governance. It recently released a report examining federal AI use patterns from 2023 through 2025, based on agency inventories, jobs data, and interviews with technology specialists. The work highlights both expansion in AI applications and structural barriers limiting broader implementation across government.
Policy Framework: The Trump administration has advanced an AI Action Plan and related national policy frameworks that prioritize deregulation, infrastructure investment, and reduced regulatory barriers to foster innovation and government efficiency.
Talent Development: Federal efforts include new programs to recruit and develop AI and technical expertise, addressing longstanding hiring timelines and career advancement limitations for technologists across agencies.
Cross-Government Trends: AI integration is expanding beyond federal levels into state and local operations, with agencies increasingly embedding tools into daily workflows while focusing on responsible governance and scaling practices.