Trump signs an executive order to vet top AI models for national security risks

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 2, 2026, creating a framework for the federal government to evaluate advanced AI systems for national security risks up to 30 days before their public release. Participation by AI developers, including companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google, remains voluntary, though the order was revised after Trump canceled a May 21 Oval Office signing event, citing concerns that the initial policy could weaken America’s technological edge over China. The order directs the National Security Agency to oversee the review process, though critics like Juan Londoño of the Cato Institute warn of potential vagueness in defining which AI models qualify for scrutiny and how 'trusted partners' are selected. Londoño also expressed concerns about possible weaponization risks against companies conflicting with the administration. The policy follows Anthropic’s April announcement of its most advanced AI model, Claude Mythos, which was flagged by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and outgoing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as a cybersecurity threat due to its ability to identify software vulnerabilities. Anthropic has restricted access to Mythos to a select group of partners, expanding that list by 150 organizations on June 2. Trump’s decision to proceed with the order reflects a balance between national security concerns and the competitive pressures of AI development, particularly in the face of China’s rapid advancements. The 30-day review window is shorter than some industry stakeholders anticipated, reflecting concerns that longer delays could stifle innovation in a fast-moving sector. The order also comes amid ongoing legal disputes between the Trump administration and Anthropic, which has been involved in a Pentagon contract dispute since the model’s release. The White House has framed the new directive as a collaborative effort to mitigate risks without imposing undue burdens on U.S. tech companies.