Trump signs directive on AI use in national security apparatus

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum on artificial intelligence, establishing frameworks to deploy advanced systems across the Pentagon and intelligence agencies while ensuring they remain under strict constitutional oversight, according to the White House.

Military adoption and oversight

The directive establishes frameworks to put advanced AI systems into the hands of warfighters, the White House said, adding that the memorandum directs agencies to accelerate adoption while adapting commercial technologies for mission use. Fielded systems must remain robust, steerable, and controllable under the constitutional chain of command.

Infrastructure and talent

The memorandum expands secure computing infrastructure to support large-scale AI deployment. It establishes an "AI National Security Strategic Reserve" to strengthen the talent pipeline, while instructing the defense secretary to update policies governing autonomous weapon systems and mandating annual reviews of AI guidance to maintain pace with technological advances.

Safeguards and partnerships

Agencies must prevent any commercial or foreign entity from disabling, degrading, or modifying AI systems supporting American warfighters without prior governmental approval. The directive promotes partnerships with private-sector firms to protect these capabilities from foreign threats.