Trump administration asks OpenAI to stagger release of new model
The Trump administration has requested that OpenAI delay the release of its next artificial intelligence model, citing national security concerns. The request is part of a broader effort to manage the potential risks associated with advanced AI systems.
Background
- The Trump administration has requested that OpenAI deliberately delay or "stagger" the release of its next major AI model (widely expected to be GPT-5), rather than releasing it in a single, fully capable version.
- This is a departure from the previous U.S. approach, which largely let AI companies self-regulate. The request signals growing government concern about the speed, safety, and societal impact of advanced AI.
- OpenAI has long argued that releasing models incrementally allows for testing, feedback, and safety mitigation. But critics say stagger-release is a PR tactic that lets the company claim caution while still dominating the market.
- The broader context: the Biden administration's 2023 AI Executive Order pushed for safety testing and transparency; Trump's team appears to be continuing that pressure, though with a different political framing focused on national security and economic disruption.
- Key figures: Sam Altman (OpenAI CEO) faces increasing scrutiny from both parties; the article references unnamed administration officials coordinating with the company on release timelines.