Trump Delays AI Order to Preserve US Lead Over China

The United States stands to lose ground in the global race for artificial intelligence dominance if new oversight requirements slow the pace of model development. President Trump postponed signing an executive order that would have established a voluntary framework requiring AI developers to notify the government before releasing advanced systems. He told reporters in the Oval Office that the measure risked undermining the American advantage. "I think it gets in the way of, you know, 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," Trump said.

The draft order had already been revised from an earlier mandatory version to a 90-day voluntary review process. It also directed federal agencies to deploy the most capable models for strengthening cybersecurity across government networks and critical infrastructure such as banks and hospitals. Two sources familiar with the text described these provisions to Reuters. Trump offered no details on which specific elements he found objectionable.

Industry executives including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg reportedly urged the delay, arguing that even voluntary steps could create a chilling effect on rapid progress. Musk later stated on X that he had not known the order’s contents beforehand and had spoken with the president only after the decision was made. The postponement occurred hours before a planned White House signing ceremony to which technology leaders had already received invitations.

Other voices inside the administration and among Trump allies have pressed for stronger safeguards. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and chief of staff Susie Wiles have reportedly advocated additional safety measures, while former advisor Steve Bannon called for mandatory testing of frontier models. Trump has not indicated when a revised order might be ready or whether its core provisions will change.