AI Executive Order Leaked Signing Postponed

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, President Donald J. Trump decided to postpone the signing of the AI executive order. Trump said he made that decision “because I didn’t like what I was seeing.”

A source familiar with the draft executive order told CBS News the order “included language to secure Pentagon systems, secure federal civilian systems, and promote the use of AI tools.” This is in addition to calling for the engagement of AI developers with the federal government to

release covered models and access to technology before it goes public.

Trump stated to reporters, “We’re leading China, we’re leading everybody, and I don’t want to do anything that’s going to get in the way of that lead.”

The Associated Press reports the AI executive order created the” framework for the government to vet national security risks of the most advanced AI systems before their public release.” It was described as a voluntary collaboration with U.S.-based tech companies, according to a source familiar with the draft of the AI executive order who spoke with the Associated Press.

AI Executive Order Leaked

According to Gizmodo, the draft was “leaked far and wide, with Politico appearing to be the first to publish it.” The draft heavily emphasized the framework was voluntary.

“Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the creation of a mandatory governmental licensing, preclearance, or permitting requirement for the development, publication, release, or distribution of new AI models, including frontier models,” reads the draft.

There are reports that the signing was postponed because top AI CEOs were not able to attend the signing ceremony and photo op and would have sent lower-level executives to the event, according to Politico.

Additionally, Politico reports David Sacks expressed industry concerns on Wednesday evening, saying tech companies are already cooperating with the government and any federal review process may slow innovation and give China an edge. Sacks added that he was fearful the voluntary framework would eventually transform into a mandatory review by the government.

Sources:

Axios: Scoop: White House postpones AI EO signing ceremony
AP News: Trump calls off AI executive order over concern it could weaken US tech edge
CBS News: Trump says he’s postponing AI executive order ‘because I didn’t like what I was seeing’
Gizmodo: Here’s the Executive Order on AI That Gave Trump Cold Feet

Featured Image Courtesy of James Allenspach’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License