President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that seeks early government access to the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models to evaluate cybersecurity risks and safeguard critical infrastructure. The directive, posted on the White House website, comes amid growing concerns over the security implications of powerful AI systems such as Anthropic's Mythos, which have alarmed both government officials and Wall Street.
Voluntary Collaboration with Tech Industry
The executive order establishes a framework for the US government to review the national security risks of cutting-edge AI models before their public release. It has been characterized as a voluntary collaboration with participating technology companies, including Anthropic, OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and others. Under the order, the Trump administration asks federal agencies to work with AI firms to protect against AI-enabled cyberattacks.
The directive grants the US government access, on a voluntary basis, to state-of-the-art AI models for testing their capabilities up to 30 days before they are released to the public. Measures are in place to ensure confidentiality. It also calls for making it easier for federal, state, and local agencies, as well as operators of critical infrastructure, to access cybersecurity tools embedded in frontier AI models.
Revised Timeline and Earlier Delays
The executive order was initially expected nearly two weeks ago but was postponed just hours before the planned signing ceremony on May 20. Trump scrapped the signing at the last minute, telling reporters he “didn’t like certain aspects” of the directive and worried it would undermine US competition against China in the AI race. “We’re leading China, we’re leading everybody, and I don’t want to do anything that’s going to get in the way of that lead,” Trump said.
The final order shortens the government review period for models to a maximum of 30 days, down from 90 days under an earlier draft. The original executive order was initially supposed to be signed at a hastily arranged ceremony at the White House.
Specific Provisions for the Pentagon
The order includes specific instructions for the Pentagon, referred to as the Department of War. It mandates that the Pentagon must take action to protect its information systems by collaborating with the private sector, though it does not specify which companies. The order further states that “costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of War.”
Full Text of the Executive Order
Section 1. Purpose. The United States continues to lead the world in Artificial Intelligence (AI) because of the enormous talent and innovation of our AI industry, and because we refuse to stifle this innovation with overly burdensome regulation. My Administration has unleashed tremendous technological growth and economic investment in AI by slashing bureaucratic constraints and encouraging AI innovation across government and industry. Advanced AI capabilities make our Nation stronger but also introduce new national security considerations requiring coordinated action across executive departments and agencies. As these capabilities evolve, my Administration will continue to work closely with industry to ensure that the best and most secure technology is deployed rapidly to confront any and all threats. We will continue to lead an America First cybersecurity effort that enhances both our national security and our global AI dominance.
It is the policy of the United States to promote AI innovation and security by working collaboratively with the private sector to modernize government and private sector information systems; to protect American ingenuity and intellectual property from exploitation by adversaries; and to cultivate America’s advanced AI-enabled capabilities.
Sec. 2. Upgrading American Systems for Advanced AI. (a) Within 30 days, the Committee on National Security Systems shall prioritize cyber defense of National Security Systems. (b) Within 30 days, the Secretary of War shall prioritize cyber defense of Department of War information systems. (c) Within 30 days, the Secretary of Homeland Security, through CISA, shall release Binding Operational Directives to expedite cyber defense of civilian federal systems, establish programs enhancing AI-enabled defensive tools, and facilitate access to cybersecurity tools including covered frontier models for agencies, state and local authorities, and critical infrastructure operators. (d) Within 30 days, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with others, shall form an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse for vulnerability scanning and remediation. (e) Within 30 days, the Director of OMB shall determine federal grant funding for advanced AI vulnerability detection. (f) Within 60 days, the Director of OPM shall expand cybersecurity hiring pathways.
Sec. 3. Secure Frontier Model Deployment. Within 60 days, the Secretaries of Treasury, War, and Homeland Security shall develop a classified benchmarking process to assess AI model capabilities and designate “covered frontier models.” They shall design a voluntary framework for developers to engage the Federal Government, provide access to covered frontier models up to 30 days before release, and collaborate to select trusted partners. Nothing in this section authorizes mandatory licensing or preclearance.
Sec. 4. Protection Against Criminal Actors. The Attorney General shall prioritize enforcement of federal laws against anyone using AI to illegally access computers or commit crimes.
Sec. 5. General Provisions. This order does not impair existing authority, shall be implemented subject to appropriations, and does not create enforceable rights. Costs for publication shall be borne by the Department of War.
