President Trump has signed a new executive order establishing a classified framework to evaluate the cybersecurity capabilities of advanced artificial intelligence systems. This marks one of the most significant AI policy moves of his second term as the United States seeks to balance innovation with national security concerns.
The order, titled “Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security,” directs federal agencies to create a classified benchmarking process within 60 days to determine when an AI system qualifies as a “covered frontier model.” The framework is intended to assess advanced cyber capabilities and identify potential national security risks associated with increasingly powerful AI technologies.
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Under the executive order, AI developers will be able to voluntarily provide the federal government with access to qualifying models for up to 30 days before public release. The White House emphasized that the policy does not create a mandatory licensing, permitting, or pre-clearance system for AI development.
The administration said the measure is designed to strengthen cybersecurity while preserving U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. The order also directs agencies to prioritise cyber defenses for federal systems and critical infrastructure, including hospitals, community banks, utilities, and other essential services. An AI cybersecurity clearinghouse will be established to coordinate the identification and remediation of software vulnerabilities.
The policy has drawn support from major technology companies. According to IBM Think, Arvind Krishna, chairman and chief executive officer of IBM, welcomed the administration’s focus on AI security and open-source software protection. OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane described the order as “an important step forward” and said effective AI security requires cooperation between government and industry.
The executive order follows growing concerns about the cybersecurity implications of frontier AI systems. Reuters reported that agencies including the Treasury Department, Defense Department, Homeland Security Department, and National Security Agency will participate in evaluating advanced models and strengthening cyber defenses across critical sectors.
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The White House said the initiative reflects its broader approach of encouraging AI innovation while addressing emerging security risks. The administration argues that collaboration with industry, rather than extensive regulation, will help maintain American technological leadership amid increasing global competition in artificial intelligence. The classified benchmark system is expected to become a key reference point for developers building next-generation AI models, potentially shaping how government and industry evaluate advanced AI capabilities in the years ahead.