President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum on Friday directing faster integration of advanced AI tools into US defense operations. The move follows an executive order earlier in the week aimed at regulating the AI industry.
The memo establishes a framework for accelerating AI adoption across federal defense agencies. It calls for rapid onboarding of the most advanced AI models from multiple vendors and adapting commercial and open-source technologies for mission use. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is required to issue an updated directive on autonomous weapon systems. The document also bars any entity from disabling, degrading or modifying AI systems used by American warfighters without prior approval. A key limitation prohibits defense agencies from creating or releasing AI models designed to censor free speech, embed ideological bias or conduct unlawful surveillance on Americans. The administration separately seeks influence over frontier models through a 30-day government review window before public release. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said the military deserves the best and most secure AI, handled responsibly.
