On June 2, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing artificial intelligence companies to voluntarily collaborate with the federal government, providing early access to new AI models. The order specifies that the government will receive access to 'covered frontier models' up to 30 days before their broader release, pending federal review.
The order directs several agencies, including the Treasury Department and the National Security Agency, to develop a classified benchmarking process to assess the advanced cyber capabilities of AI models and determine which models qualify as 'covered frontier models.' This initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity efforts under the Trump administration.
Notably, the system established by the executive order is voluntary, with the order stating that it does not authorize mandatory governmental licensing or preclearance for AI model development or distribution. Trump signed the order privately, following a postponed signing ceremony for an earlier version of the order that had included different provisions. Influential roles in shaping the new order were reportedly played by former White House AI czar David Sacks and National Economic Council deputy director Ryan Baasch.
