The Fine Print | Notes from the Legal Director
Statement on the Use of Unproven AI in Government by the Trump Administration
March 19, 2025 | Marium Uddin
As the Legal Director of the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), I am deeply concerned about the Trump administration’s reliance on unproven AI systems to run the government, particularly in its latest reported use under Elon Musk’s leadership. The idea that AI is being used to crawl through federal databases to find places to cut spending and identify people to fire is not only irresponsible but dangerous.
AI’s Limitations and Risks
The current generation of large language models (LLMs) may be effective at collecting data, but they are notoriously bad at sorting and interpreting it accurately. These systems are not neutral; they are encoded with the biases of their creators and tend to provide answers that align with the preferences of users, rather than presenting an objective view of the data. This opens the door to biased decision-making and discrimination, particularly when AI is given the authority to decide who to target for termination or budget cuts.
Moreover, these AI systems are prone to hallucinations—essentially fabricating information—and false positives, meaning they are likely to misidentify individuals or groups, which will lead to wrongful actions. The implications of relying on these flawed systems are profound, especially when they are applied to sensitive matters like federal employment and national security.
Impact on Foreign Students and Economic Contributions
One particularly egregious use of these systems is their potential to target foreign students and workers, many of whom make invaluable contributions to the U.S. economy and society. Foreign investment in the U.S. is substantial—according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, it stands at nearly $4.5 trillion, much of which is driven by international partnerships and contributions. Foreign students alone contribute significantly, both through tuition and by filling vital roles in our economy. Many go on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, and tech professionals, enriching American society and bolstering key industries. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, international students contributed nearly $41 billion to the U.S. economy in 2020 alone.
This reliance on AI to target foreign students could affect tens of thousands of individuals, putting their educational and professional futures at risk. These AI systems cannot accurately distinguish between students, U.S. citizens, or others who may hold differing political beliefs, such as those who support Palestine. This creates an incredibly high risk of netting U.S. citizens and other innocents who are simply exercising their First Amendment right to free speech.
Criminalizing Free Speech
It is deeply troubling that the U.S. government is increasingly targeting individuals who are advocating for Palestinian rights. We are witnessing a disturbing trend of criminalizing the right to free speech, particularly on college campuses where students are organizing and protesting against U.S. foreign policy in Palestine. This should be of concern to all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs. The right to free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, and any attempt to suppress it threatens the very fabric of our nation.
MLFA’s Role in Defending Student Protestors
At MLFA, we are committed to defending the civil liberties of individuals who are being unjustly targeted for their political beliefs, including student protestors who support Palestine. We offer legal representation to those facing prosecution or harassment for simply exercising their constitutional right to speak out. We also work to challenge policies and laws that seek to silence dissent and create a chilling effect on free speech.
By targeting individuals through the use of biased and unproven AI systems, the Trump administration risks not only violating constitutional rights but also damaging the integrity of our society. It is crucial that we stand up against these injustices and ensure that all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, are treated with fairness and respect under the law.
The Fine Print | Real power and protection is always hidden in the fine print. MLFA brings the fine print to life with this series of articles, cutting through the noise to break down the rights, risks, and realities you need to know. No loopholes, no confusion, just clear, unapologetic insight into the laws that shape the lives of Muslims in America.
