Overview
- The White House postponed a planned signing of an AI-focused executive order that President Trump had scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, leaving the measure unsigned.
- The draft order reportedly would have asked companies to permit a voluntary federal review of high-capability AI models up to 90 days before public release.
- Officials said the review process would have involved the Treasury, White House offices and national security bodies such as the NSA to assess risks to banks, hospitals and other critical systems.
- President Trump said he delayed the order out of concern it could undercut U.S. competitiveness with China, and senior aides were split between prioritizing infrastructure protection and promoting industry growth.
- Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a separate order directing state agencies to study protections for workers displaced by AI, leaving states and companies to shape policy while federal action remains uncertain.