WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has directed the military and intelligence community to accelerate adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, establishing a new national security framework that prioritizes rapid deployment, expanded computing infrastructure, and closer partnerships with private-sector AI developers while rescinding a Biden-era policy governing AI use in national security operations.
The National Security Presidential Memorandum, signed June 5, requires federal national security agencies to update procurement, governance, training, and security policies to speed the integration of advanced AI systems across military and intelligence missions. The directive also calls for expanded access to commercial AI technologies, new secure computing facilities, and the creation of an AI-focused reserve corps of private-sector experts.
The memorandum positions AI as a strategic competition issue, arguing that the United States must accelerate adoption to maintain technological advantages over foreign adversaries. It establishes four policy pillars—adoption, adaptation, assurance, and accountability—to guide the use of AI throughout the national security enterprise.
Under the order, the Department of War must update its policy governing autonomous weapon systems within 90 days and review that guidance annually. National security agencies also must revise internal policies to align with the new framework and adapt to changes in AI capabilities.
The directive requires agencies to broaden access to advanced AI models from multiple vendors, a move intended to reduce reliance on any single provider and shorten the time between commercial innovation and government deployment.
Within 120 days, the Department of War, intelligence agencies, and other national security organizations must review procurement processes to accelerate acquisition of advanced AI systems. The administration also directed agencies to develop a roadmap for expanded access to computing infrastructure, including high-security AI facilities and a national security AI test range.
The memorandum places significant emphasis on AI security. Federal agencies are directed to ensure that no commercial provider or external entity can disable, degrade, or materially modify AI systems relied upon for national security missions without government approval. Agencies are also instructed to develop partnerships with private-sector companies to protect advanced AI technologies from cyber threats, espionage, and other security risks.
The administration further ordered development of standardized testing, evaluation, verification, and validation procedures for high-security AI systems and directed intelligence agencies to increase monitoring of foreign AI technologies that could affect U.S. national security or economic competitiveness.
To address workforce needs, the memorandum calls for expanded hiring of AI specialists and creation of an AI National Security Strategic Reserve composed of non-government experts who could support federal efforts when needed. Agencies also must develop an AI training curriculum for personnel across the military and intelligence communities.
The directive includes provisions intended to address civil liberties concerns. It states that AI systems used by national security agencies may not be employed to censor speech, embed ideological bias, or conduct unlawful surveillance and requires commanders and agency leaders to remain accountable for compliance with constitutional protections and privacy laws.
The memorandum rescinds National Security Memorandum-25, issued during the Biden administration, and replaces it with the new framework. The White House said the previous policy created barriers to AI deployment and increased dependence on a limited number of technology providers.
The administration revealed that a classified annex addressing sensitive national security matters related to AI implementation will be issued within 90 days.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.