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Trump signs narrower executive order on AI oversight after industry objections

President Trump signed an executive order aimed at giving the government a chance to review powerful AI models before they are released. The order requires certain AI companies to voluntarily submit their new models for testing or evaluation 30 days ahead of public release. The window is narrower than a prior draft that proposed a 90-day lead time and reflects industry pushback led by investors and tech leaders. The administration emphasized that the measure does not authorize mandatory licensing, preclearance, or permitting requirements for frontier models. The move fits into a broader push to establish guardrails around rapid AI development while wanting to avoid stifling innovation or driving firms offshore. The order also directs the Department of Justice to treat crimes such as AI-assisted hacking and unauthorized access as high-priority enforcement areas, signaling a dual approach that pairs voluntary oversight with stronger law enforcement. The decision came after discussions with industry figures including venture capitalist David Sacks, who criticized the earlier plan, and underscores the administration's intent to balance competition with national security concerns in the face of China’s AI ambitions. Trump has previously signaled interest in a national AI policy framework, the so-called one rulebook, but this executive order narrows the scope to voluntary testing rather than a broad regulatory regime. The net effect for developers and AI companies is still uncertain: some may reap reputational benefits or clarity, while others may worry about new regulatory friction and potential future tightening.