Trump Requires 30-Day Government Review of Advanced AI Models Before Public Release

President Trump signed an executive order on June 3, 2026, that gives the federal government access to the most advanced artificial intelligence models 30 days before their public release. The order is the first major AI regulation directive of Trump’s second term.

It replaces an earlier version that Trump scrapped on May 21 after AI companies and former AI czar David Sacks warned that a 90-day review window would be too burdensome.

Executives at several of the largest AI firms later told the administration that their models were becoming more sophisticated and powerful. Senior aides persuaded Trump that the administration could not indefinitely delay establishing a framework. Trump approved the revised order following a high-level White House meeting on Monday.

Aides drafted the final language Tuesday morning. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles worked with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross to revive the proposal. The move represents a victory for Wiles despite initial resistance from Sacks.

Beyond the early-access framework, the order directs the Pentagon to shore up its classified networks within 30 days and directs the Justice Department to bring criminal cases against people who use AI models to hack computer systems. The order also calls for federal agencies to create a classified process to determine which AI models require government access and to select trusted partners for early access.

With the order in place, Bessent can begin exploring discussions with China about creating a similar cross-border framework for advanced AI systems.

NPR’s Leila Fadel reported the signing during a segment on Morning Edition and spoke with Alondra Nelson, who worked on AI policy in the Biden administration.