Trump postpones AI executive order due to concerns about overregulation

President Trump postponed the signing of an executive order that would have required AI companies to preview advanced models with the federal government.

Hours before a scheduled signing with industry executives, he told reporters the measure could slow the United States in its competition with China. “I really thought that could have been a blocker, and I want to make sure it’s not,” Trump said. “I don’t want to do anything that will get in the way of that lead.”

The White House informed tech company representatives that the event would be rescheduled. The decision reflects ongoing divisions inside the administration over how much oversight to impose on the AI sector.

Some officials have pushed for greater government involvement after models such as Anthropic’s Mythos showed strong ability to identify software vulnerabilities. Others, including venture capitalist David Sacks, have argued that additional requirements risk slowing innovation and harming U.S. competitiveness.

The postponed order would have asked companies to voluntarily share information on powerful models with national security and cyber officials. The goal was to help protect institutions with limited defenses, including small-town hospitals and banks.

Vice President JD Vance said the administration is attempting to balance safety against innovation. Trump has already reversed several Biden-era AI regulations he viewed as overly restrictive.