National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-11
This National Security Presidential Memorandum directs the comprehensive acceleration and responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the entire national security enterprise, including intelligence and warfighting domains.
The action is guided by four central policy pillars: Adoption of AI to enhance operational effectiveness, Adaptation by leveraging commercial and open-source technologies, Assurance that all AI is reliable and controllable, and Accountability to ensure AI use upholds U.S. civil liberties and the constitutional chain of command.
The memorandum mandates specific timelines for agency heads to update directives, establish governance frameworks, develop crucial computing infrastructure roadmaps, build AI talent reserves, and implement rigorous security testing methodologies, while also rescinding prior relevant guidance.
Arguments For
Accelerating the adoption of AI is presented as crucial for maintaining technical overmatch against adversaries and strategic competitors, thereby safeguarding national security.
Streamlining acquisition and deployment is intended to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that previously slowed the integration of advanced technologies, allowing warfighters access to needed capabilities faster.
Emphasizing partnerships with the private sector and academia aims to leverage the best available commercial and open-source AI capabilities, ensuring the use of cutting-edge models.
Insisting on assurances of reliability, robustness, steerability, and controllability ensures that deployed AI systems remain aligned with U.S. values, operate lawfully, and cannot be disabled by external actors.
Establishing clear accountability mechanisms ensures that commanders and agency heads remain responsible for the lawful and ethical use of AI, protecting civil liberties and the constitutional chain of command.
Arguments Against
Rapid adoption of frontier AI models, particularly from single or few vendors, could create dangerous dependencies and technical vulnerabilities within critical national security systems.
The mandate to adapt commercial or open-source technologies raises security concerns, as these platforms may not have been designed with the rigorous security standards required for classified national security applications.
The directive to terminate contracts with companies acting inconsistently with Section 2 policies could disrupt necessary ongoing AI development or supply chains, especially if specialized talent or unique capabilities are involved.
While safeguarding civil liberties is mandated, the rapid deployment of sophisticated AI surveillance or targeting technologies in sensitive domains presents inherent risks of misuse or unintended constitutional infringement.
The establishment of new governance policies and required updates across numerous agencies within tight deadlines (90 to 120 days) risks rushed implementation, potential inconsistencies in interpretation, and excessive administrative overhead.
Presidential Actions
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
THE SECRETARY OF WAR
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY
THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR POLICY AND HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISOR
THE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
THE NATIONAL CYBER DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: Artificial Intelligence in the National Security Enterprise
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following:
Section 1. Purpose. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be among the most transformative technologies to national security in the history of the United States. When adopted appropriately, AI can help protect our warfighters during peacetime and on the battlefield, enable precise operations that minimize harm to civilians, and ensure the United States continues to maintain technical overmatch against our adversaries and strategic competitors.
Previous administrations imposed undue bureaucracy that hampered the pace of AI adoption, fostered dangerous dependencies on single vendors, and made it challenging for our warfighters to adopt the most advanced technologies. Meanwhile, our competitors continued to develop and deploy their own AI and sophisticated autonomous technologies for military and intelligence purposes, employing them with little regard for appropriate human oversight or civil liberties.
Under my Administration, the United States can and will responsibly accelerate the use of AI across intelligence and warfighting domains in line with American values. The United States possesses the most effective and moral military in the history of world. It is also among the most trusted institutions in American life. That trust is rooted in an unbroken chain of command and accountability, from our democratic process through civilian and military leadership, to the men and women who carry out the mission.
My Administration will ensure that those who safeguard America and the American way of life are equipped with the most sophisticated and secure AI technologies to perform complex, time-sensitive, and highly-consequential missions, with full confidence that those tools will be available when they matter most. We will streamline the acquisition and deployment of these technologies while maintaining rigorous oversight and building a secure and resilient supply chain that cannot be severed in times of conflict. We will work closely with the private sector and academia to ensure the best technical talent is available to the national security enterprise and that our warfighters are trained to effectively employ advanced AI systems in accordance with guidance. Through these efforts, my Administration will secure a decisive and enduring AI advantage against any and all adversaries while safeguarding the constitutional chain of command.
Sec. 2. Policy. My Administration will accelerate the development and use of AI for national security applications, guided by the following four pillars:
(a) Adoption. The national security enterprise shall accelerate AI adoption by identifying mission areas where AI can enhance operational effectiveness and eliminating unnecessary barriers to rapid deployment. To this end, the national security enterprise shall maintain deep, proactive partnerships with industry, to make the most advanced frontier models broadly available to national security professionals without delay, ensuring technological overmatch while driving rapid experimentation and validation across potential applications.
(b) Adaptation. The national security enterprise shall adapt commercial or open-source AI technologies, leveraging the most cutting-edge capabilities available from diverse suppliers across the private sector, large and small, while ensuring that AI technologies chosen are optimized for their intended use. In cases where the use of a commercial solution is not appropriate due to security or mission limitations, executive departments and agencies (agencies) may deploy commercially or internally customized AI technologies or develop AI technologies internally. Such technologies shall be made available across the national security enterprise to support multiple missions where possible.
(c) Assurance. The national security enterprise shall assure that all AI technologies adopted are designed to be reliable, robust, steerable, and controllable, and that they operate, in accordance with applicable laws, government policies, and guidance. To protect American warfighters, the national security enterprise shall ensure, through contractual clauses or other means, that no commercial entity or adversary possesses the capability to prevent use of, disable or degrade, or materially modify without Federal Government knowledge and approval, an AI system that our men and women depend on for their missions. In addition, rigorous security and functionality measures, including testing, evaluation, validation, and verification, shall be implemented to assure the appropriate confidentiality, integrity, reliability, availability, and interoperability of AI systems across the national security enterprise.
(d) Accountability. American AI technologies shall neither be developed nor used by the national security enterprise to censor free speech, embed ideological bias, or conduct unauthorized or unlawful surveillance activities. The use of AI by the national security enterprise must always be consistent with United States civil liberties and protections afforded by the Constitution and laws and regulations safeguarding the privacy of American citizens. Commanders, directors, and heads of agencies shall remain responsible and accountable for ensuring that these obligations are met at every level of command, and that such accountability keeps pace with the evolution of AI capabilities and regulations governing the privacy and civil liberties of American citizens.
Sec. 3. Updated Policies and Guidance. (a) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War shall issue an update to DOD Directive 3000.09 on Autonomy in Weapon Systems, to be reviewed annually to account for the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI systems, to ensure the deliberate adoption of AI systems that respect the chain of command and operational authorities, and remain consistent with the policy set forth in section 2 of this memorandum.
(b) Consistent with roles and responsibilities outlined in the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (44 U.S.C. 3551 et seq.), the Secretary of War for systems described in section 3553(e)(2) of that Act, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) for systems described in section 3553(e)(3) of that Act, and the heads of relevant agencies for systems described in section 3557 of that Act, shall direct, to the maximum extent permissible by law, termination for default or for convenience contracts with companies that have repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of conduct that is inconsistent with policies laid out in section 2 of this memorandum. This includes contracts under which such companies provide services to the applicable agencies as subcontractors. The heads of these agencies may establish a waiver process to grant limited exceptions of a defined duration, to exceed no longer than 1 year, where such relationships are necessary to responsibly steward United States national security. Exceptions may include operational imperatives, test and evaluation arrangements, threat intelligence sharing, and other mission-critical applications, subject to appropriate risk mitigation measures and enhanced oversight. All exceptions shall be reported to the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) in writing by heads of agencies, without designee, within 30 days of the waiver being granted.
(c) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, consistent with policies laid out in section 2 of this memorandum, the Committee on National Security Systems and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director), in coordination with the APST, and in consultation with the heads of relevant IC elements, shall issue an appropriate policy for governance of AI use in national security systems, including implementation and reporting requirements. Such policy should maximize consistency with AI governance requirements for non-national security systems, such as that in OMB guidance OMB memorandum M-25-21, to the extent appropriate.
(d) To address sensitive national security issues, a classified annex will be issued within 90 days of the date of this memorandum.
(e) Following the issuance of the guidance called for in this section, the Secretary of War, heads of agencies within the IC, and the heads of any other agency performing a national security function shall update all relevant policies and guidance to be consistent with the policy set forth in this memorandum. Each such agency head shall review and, as necessary, further update such guidance on an annual basis to reflect the evolving state of AI technology.
(f) This memorandum hereby rescinds and replaces National Security Memorandum-25 and associated guidance.
Sec. 4. Advancing National Security Capabilities. (a) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War, the DNI, and the heads of agencies with IC elements shall review and update procurement processes to ensure the rapid onboarding of the most advanced AI models from multiple vendors, closing the capability gap between what is available to the public and to our national security workforce.
(b) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the APST and the OMB Director, in coordination with the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Energy, the DNI, and the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA Director), and in consultation with other agencies as appropriate, shall jointly develop a roadmap to ensure that all elements of the national security enterprise have adequate access to advanced computing resources. The roadmap should include the commissioning of advanced AI computing facilities with the appropriate high security requirements, to support next-generation AI systems operating at scale, and should include the establishment of an AI test range for national security use cases, subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Energy, the DNI, and the NSA Director, through the AI Security Center, in consultation with the APST, shall develop partnerships with willing private-sector companies to help secure America’s most cutting-edge AI technologies, including from malicious distillation attacks. Such partnerships may include sharing threat intelligence, conducting joint AI red-team exercises, assisting with personnel vetting, supporting joint security research and development (R&D) that the private sector cannot undertake alone, enhancing the physical and cyber security of our Nation’s data centers, and providing technical support similar to that given to Defense Industrial Base partners. Agencies shall coordinate and deconflict engagements with industry partners when practicable.
(d) The Secretary of Energy shall work with relevant agencies through the Genesis Mission to develop capabilities for applying AI to national security missions, including through partnerships with the private sector.
(e) The DNI, in coordination with IC elements, shall prioritize the collection and analysis of foreign AI technologies, across the AI technology stack, AI applications and uses, and AI governance and policies that pose a threat to United States national security, economic security, and strategic competitiveness. In consultation with the DNI, the Secretary of State shall develop a strategy to engage with allies and partners and share findings from the DNI’s analysis, as appropriate, to address these threats.
(f) Within 120 days of the date of the memorandum, consistent with applicable authorities, the DNI, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Energy, and the NSA Director, under his National Manager authorities, shall initiate joint AI data and model exchanges, accessible across multiple enclaves, for mission applications common to the national security enterprise.
Sec. 5. Building Capacity for AI Adoption. (a) Agencies are directed to utilize special hiring and pay authorities, as well as novel talent programs from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other relevant agencies, to accelerate the hiring of technical AI talent into the Federal Government.
(b) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the OPM Director, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, and in consultation with the DNI, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Energy, the OMB Director, the APST, and the APNSA, the Homeland Security Advisor, and relevant IC elements, shall initiate efforts to establish an AI National Security Strategic Reserve of non-governmental AI talent to provide support to Federal efforts to address AI national security issues, as needed.
(c) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the DNI and the Secretary of War, in coordination with the OMB Director and IC elements, shall develop and implement an AI for National Security Curriculum, coordinated with existing Federal AI and cyber training programs. This initiative shall ensure that relevant personnel across the national security enterprise are trained to employ AI systems in accordance with applicable guidance and maintain literacy on the current AI frontier, including its capabilities, limitations, and implications for national security.
(d) Agencies shall prioritize the R&D of technologies that enable AI reliability, robustness, steerability, and controllability in fulfillment of mission requirements, including constitutional protections. They shall also develop capabilities and best practices to maintain the leadership of the national security enterprise in this domain, subject to the availability of appropriations.
(e) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of America’s most critical AI systems, the DNI, the Secretary of War, and the NSA Director, under his National Manager authorities, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall develop a joint strategy for AI risk management and assurance and implementation guidance that establishes baseline AI security practices for the national security enterprise, to be submitted to the APST, the OMB Director, the National Cyber Director, and the APNSA for review prior to publication.
(f) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War, through the NSA Director, and the DNI shall submit standardized AI national security Test, Evaluation, Verification, and Validation methodologies, including for conformity verification and sustainment of high-security AI systems, at appropriate classification levels, to the APST and the National Cyber Director for review prior to publication, where appropriate.
Sec. 6. Definitions. For the purposes of this memorandum:
(a) “Artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3);
(b) “AI incident response” means the preparation, detection, analysis, remediation, and recovery from intentional or unintentional performance degradation or data loss or spillage of AI systems, including technical malfunctions and adversarial attacks;
(c) “AI security” means the application of appropriate protection mechanisms across the AI technology stack to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of AI systems, from design through deployment;
(d) “AI technology stack” means the layers that enable the development and deployment of AI technologies, including AI-optimized hardware and related infrastructure, including chips, servers, accelerators, data center storage, cloud services, networking, etc.; data pipelines and labeling systems; AI models and systems; security and cybersecurity measures for AI models and systems; and AI applications for sector-specific or functional use cases;
(e) “Chain of command” means the properly designated succession of individuals through which authority, direction, and control is exercised to accomplish a lawful objective;
(f) “Controllability” means the ability to monitor the operation and outcomes of a system and take corrective action as needed.
(g) “Intelligence Community” has the meaning given the term in section 3003 of title 50, United States Code;
(h) “National security enterprise” means the Department of War, the Intelligence Community, and other agencies that develop, deploy, or use national security systems or otherwise serve a national security role;
(i) “Reliability” means the ability of a system to perform as required, without failure, under given conditions;
(j) “Robustness” means the ability of a system to maintain a level of performance under a variety of circumstances, including outside intended operating conditions; and
(k) “Steerability” means the ability to shape the internal behavior of a system to pursue a given set of objectives.
Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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The document begins by addressing specified cabinet secretaries and agency directors, including the Secretaries of State, Treasury, War, Energy, Homeland Security, and leaders of intelligence and budget offices.
The memorandum is centered on Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the National Security Enterprise.
Section 1 establishes the purpose, framing AI as a transformative technology for national security that can protect warfighters and ensure U.S. technical superiority.
It contrasts the current administration's intent to responsibly accelerate AI adoption with prior administrations' bureaucratic hurdles, noting adversaries deploy AI with less regard for civil liberties.
Section 2 outlines the core policy guided by four pillars: Adoption (rapidly identifying and deploying AI where effective), Adaptation (using commercial/open-source tech while ensuring customization for security needs), Assurance (ensuring AI is reliable, robust, steerable, and controllable, preventing external modification), and Accountability (ensuring AI does not censor speech or conduct unlawful surveillance, maintaining consistency with the Constitution and privacy laws).
Section 3 mandates updated policies and guidance.
The Secretary of War must update DOD Directive 3000.09 within 90 days.
Agency heads must terminate contracts with companies repeatedly violating the Section 2 policies, subject to limited, reported waivers.
Governance policy for AI in national security systems must be issued within 90 days, coordinating with existing non-national security guidance.
A classified annex is also required within 90 days.
All relevant agency guidance must be updated and reviewed annually.
This memorandum explicitly rescinds National Security Memorandum-25.
Section 4 focuses on Advancing Capabilities.
Agencies must update procurement within 120 days to rapidly onboard advanced AI models.
A roadmap for advanced computing resources, including an AI test range, is due in 90 days.
Within 120 days, partnerships must be established to secure cutting-edge AI technologies from threats like malicious distillation.
The DNI must prioritize intelligence collection on foreign AI threats, and the Secretary of State must develop engagement strategies with allies regarding these threats.
Joint AI data and model exchanges across enclaves must start within 120 days.
Section 5 covers Building Capacity for AI Adoption.
Agencies must use special authorities to hire technical AI talent.
An AI National Security Strategic Reserve of non-governmental talent must begin development within 120 days.
An AI for National Security Curriculum must be implemented within 120 days to train personnel.
Agencies must prioritize R&D for AI reliability features, and a joint strategy for AI risk management and assurance must be submitted to senior staff within 120 days.
Standardized Test, Evaluation, Verification, and Validation methodologies must also be submitted within 120 days.
Section 6 provides definitions for terms used, including AI, AI security, AI technology stack, chain of command, controllability, reliability, robustness, and steerability.
Section 7 establishes General Provisions, clarifying that the memorandum does not alter existing statutory authority, budget functions of the OMB Director, or create new enforceable legal rights or benefits.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
THE SECRETARY OF WAR
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY
THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR POLICY AND HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISOR
THE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
THE NATIONAL CYBER DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: Artificial Intelligence in the National Security Enterprise
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following:
This introductory segment directs the memorandum to key national security and executive leaders, including the Secretaries of State, Defense (referred to as War), Treasury, Energy, Homeland Security, and the heads of major intelligence, law enforcement, and budget offices.
The subject clearly identifies the document’s focus: integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the National Security Enterprise. The statement confirms the President is issuing these directives using constitutional and legal authority.
Section 1. Purpose. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be among the most transformative technologies to national security in the history of the United States. When adopted appropriately, AI can help protect our warfighters during peacetime and on the battlefield, enable precise operations that minimize harm to civilians, and ensure the United States continues to maintain technical overmatch against our adversaries and strategic competitors.
Previous administrations imposed undue bureaucracy that hampered the pace of AI adoption, fostered dangerous dependencies on single vendors, and made it challenging for our warfighters to adopt the most advanced technologies. Meanwhile, our competitors continued to develop and deploy their own AI and sophisticated autonomous technologies for military and intelligence purposes, employing them with little regard for appropriate human oversight or civil liberties.
Under my Administration, the United States can and will responsibly accelerate the use of AI across intelligence and warfighting domains in line with American values. The United States possesses the most effective and moral military in the history of world. It is also among the most trusted institutions in American life. That trust is rooted in an unbroken chain of command and accountability, from our democratic process through civilian and military leadership, to the men and women who carry out the mission.
My Administration will ensure that those who safeguard America and the American way of life are equipped with the most sophisticated and secure AI technologies to perform complex, time-sensitive, and highly-consequential missions, with full confidence that those tools will be available when they matter most. We will streamline the acquisition and deployment of these technologies while maintaining rigorous oversight and building a secure and resilient supply chain that cannot be severed in times of conflict. We will work closely with the private sector and academia to ensure the best technical talent is available to the national security enterprise and that our warfighters are trained to effectively employ advanced AI systems in accordance with guidance. Through these efforts, my Administration will secure a decisive and enduring AI advantage against any and all adversaries while safeguarding the constitutional chain of command.
The Purpose section declares that AI is a critical technology for U.S. national security, capable of protecting military personnel and improving precision in operations while maintaining U.S. technical superiority over rivals.
It criticizes past practices for creating bureaucracy and dependency on limited vendors while competitors advanced their AI use without restraint regarding civil liberties.
The directive emphasizes responsible acceleration of AI use aligned with American values, stressing that the U.S. military's trust relies on a robust, accountable, civilian-led chain of command.
The goal is to equip personnel with secure, sophisticated AI tools for high-stakes missions.
This includes streamlining technology acquisition, securing the supply chain, collaborating with private industry and academia for talent acquisition, and ensuring warfighters are adequately trained, all while preserving the constitutional command structure.
Sec. 2. Policy. My Administration will accelerate the development and use of AI for national security applications, guided by the following four pillars:
(a) Adoption. The national security enterprise shall accelerate AI adoption by identifying mission areas where AI can enhance operational effectiveness and eliminating unnecessary barriers to rapid deployment. To this end, the national security enterprise shall maintain deep, proactive partnerships with industry, to make the most advanced frontier models broadly available to national security professionals without delay, ensuring technological overmatch while driving rapid experimentation and validation across potential applications.
(b) Adaptation. The national security enterprise shall adapt commercial or open-source AI technologies, leveraging the most cutting-edge capabilities available from diverse suppliers across the private sector, large and small, while ensuring that AI technologies chosen are optimized for their intended use. In cases where the use of a commercial solution is not appropriate due to security or mission limitations, executive departments and agencies (agencies) may deploy commercially or internally customized AI technologies or develop AI technologies internally. Such technologies shall be made available across the national security enterprise to support multiple missions where possible.
(c) Assurance. The national security enterprise shall assure that all AI technologies adopted are designed to be reliable, robust, steerable, and controllable, and that they operate, in accordance with applicable laws, government policies, and guidance. To protect American warfighters, the national security enterprise shall ensure, through contractual clauses or other means, that no commercial entity or adversary possesses the capability to prevent use of, disable or degrade, or materially modify without Federal Government knowledge and approval, an AI system that our men and women depend on for their missions. In addition, rigorous security and functionality measures, including testing, evaluation, validation, and verification, shall be implemented to assure the appropriate confidentiality, integrity, reliability, availability, and interoperability of AI systems across the national security enterprise.
(d) Accountability. American AI technologies shall neither be developed nor used by the national security enterprise to censor free speech, embed ideological bias, or conduct unauthorized or unlawful surveillance activities. The use of AI by the national security enterprise must always be consistent with United States civil liberties and protections afforded by the Constitution and laws and regulations safeguarding the privacy of American citizens. Commanders, directors, and heads of agencies shall remain responsible and accountable for ensuring that these obligations are met at every level of command, and that such accountability keeps pace with the evolution of AI capabilities and regulations governing the privacy and civil liberties of American citizens.
Section 2 establishes the guiding policy with four pillars for accelerating AI use in national security.
Pillar (a), Adoption, requires eliminating barriers to rapid deployment and partnering with industry to make advanced models accessible for experimentation and validation.
Pillar (b), Adaptation, directs leveraging commercial and open-source AI from diverse suppliers, ensuring technologies fit their intended use.
Agencies may customize or develop internal AI only when commercial solutions are inadequate due to security or mission needs, and these solutions should be shared across the enterprise where feasible.
Pillar (c), Assurance, mandates that all adopted AI systems must be reliable, robust, steerable, and controllable, operating within legal guidelines.
Critically, contracts must prevent commercial entities or adversaries from disabling or modifying essential AI systems without explicit government approval.
Rigorous security testing is required to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Pillar (d), Accountability, strictly forbids using American AI to censor speech, embed bias, or perform unlawful surveillance.
All AI use must respect U.S. civil liberties and privacy protections given by the Constitution, with commanders and agency heads held responsible for enforcing these rules as AI evolves.
Sec. 3. Updated Policies and Guidance. (a) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War shall issue an update to DOD Directive 3000.09 on Autonomy in Weapon Systems, to be reviewed annually to account for the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI systems, to ensure the deliberate adoption of AI systems that respect the chain of command and operational authorities, and remain consistent with the policy set forth in section 2 of this memorandum.
(b) Consistent with roles and responsibilities outlined in the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (44 U.S.C. 3551 et seq.), the Secretary of War for systems described in section 3553(e)(2) of that Act, the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) for systems described in section 3553(e)(3) of that Act, and the heads of relevant agencies for systems described in section 3557 of that Act, shall direct, to the maximum extent permissible by law, termination for default or for convenience contracts with companies that have repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of conduct that is inconsistent with policies laid out in section 2 of this memorandum. This includes contracts under which such companies provide services to the applicable agencies as subcontractors. The heads of these agencies may establish a waiver process to grant limited exceptions of a defined duration, to exceed no longer than 1 year, where such relationships are necessary to responsibly steward United States national security. Exceptions may include operational imperatives, test and evaluation arrangements, threat intelligence sharing, and other mission-critical applications, subject to appropriate risk mitigation measures and enhanced oversight. All exceptions shall be reported to the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) in writing by heads of agencies, without designee, within 30 days of the waiver being granted.
(c) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, consistent with policies laid out in section 2 of this memorandum, the Committee on National Security Systems and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director), in coordination with the APST, and in consultation with the heads of relevant IC elements, shall issue an appropriate policy for governance of AI use in national security systems, including implementation and reporting requirements. Such policy should maximize consistency with AI governance requirements for non-national security systems, such as that in OMB guidance OMB memorandum M-25-21, to the extent appropriate.
(d) To address sensitive national security issues, a classified annex will be issued within 90 days of the date of this memorandum.
(e) Following the issuance of the guidance called for in this section, the Secretary of War, heads of agencies within the IC, and the heads of any other agency performing a national security function shall update all relevant policies and guidance to be consistent with the policy set forth in this memorandum. Each such agency head shall review and, as necessary, further update such guidance on an annual basis to reflect the evolving state of AI technology.
(f) This memorandum hereby rescinds and replaces National Security Memorandum-25 and associated guidance.
Section 3 details required actions for updating policies and guidance, mostly due within 90 days.
The Secretary of War must update DOD Directive 3000.09 on weapons autonomy to align with the memorandum's policy and review it annually.
Based on the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, agency heads (including the Secretary of War and DNI) must terminate contracts with companies that repeatedly fail to adhere to Section 2 policies, though short-term waivers (under one year) can be granted for critical national security needs if properly reported.
Within 90 days, a governance policy for AI in national security systems must be issued, aiming for consistency with non-national security guidance (like OMB M-25-21).
A classified annex is also required within 90 days.
Furthermore, all relevant security guidance must be updated to reflect this memorandum, with annual reviews mandated thereafter.
Finally, this action explicitly cancels National Security Memorandum-25 and its related guidance.
Sec. 4. Advancing National Security Capabilities. (a) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War, the DNI, and the heads of agencies with IC elements shall review and update procurement processes to ensure the rapid onboarding of the most advanced AI models from multiple vendors, closing the capability gap between what is available to the public and to our national security workforce.
(b) Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the APST and the OMB Director, in coordination with the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Energy, the DNI, and the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA Director), and in consultation with other agencies as appropriate, shall jointly develop a roadmap to ensure that all elements of the national security enterprise have adequate access to advanced computing resources. The roadmap should include the commissioning of advanced AI computing facilities with the appropriate high security requirements, to support next-generation AI systems operating at scale, and should include the establishment of an AI test range for national security use cases, subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Energy, the DNI, and the NSA Director, through the AI Security Center, in consultation with the APST, shall develop partnerships with willing private-sector companies to help secure America’s most cutting-edge AI technologies, including from malicious distillation attacks. Such partnerships may include sharing threat intelligence, conducting joint AI red-team exercises, assisting with personnel vetting, supporting joint security research and development (R&D) that the private sector cannot undertake alone, enhancing the physical and cyber security of our Nation’s data centers, and providing technical support similar to that given to Defense Industrial Base partners. Agencies shall coordinate and deconflict engagements with industry partners when practicable.
(d) The Secretary of Energy shall work with relevant agencies through the Genesis Mission to develop capabilities for applying AI to national security missions, including through partnerships with the private sector.
(e) The DNI, in coordination with IC elements, shall prioritize the collection and analysis of foreign AI technologies, across the AI technology stack, AI applications and uses, and AI governance and policies that pose a threat to United States national security, economic security, and strategic competitiveness. In consultation with the DNI, the Secretary of State shall develop a strategy to engage with allies and partners and share findings from the DNI’s analysis, as appropriate, to address these threats.
(f) Within 120 days of the date of the memorandum, consistent with applicable authorities, the DNI, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Energy, and the NSA Director, under his National Manager authorities, shall initiate joint AI data and model exchanges, accessible across multiple enclaves, for mission applications common to the national security enterprise.
Section 4 focuses on improving national security infrastructure and capabilities related to AI. Procurement processes must be updated within 120 days to quickly acquire the most advanced AI models from various sources, closing the gap between public availability and government access.
A roadmap for ensuring adequate advanced computing resources, including secure AI facilities and an AI test range, is due to senior officials within 90 days.
Within 120 days, partnerships must form to secure cutting-edge AI from threats like distillation attacks, involving threat intelligence sharing, red-teaming, and enhanced data center security.
The Secretary of Energy will apply AI to national security missions through the Genesis Mission.
The DNI must prioritize collecting intelligence on foreign AI threats, and the Secretary of State must develop strategies to share these findings with allies.
Furthermore, joint AI data and model exchanges across secure enclaves must begin within 120 days.
Sec. 5. Building Capacity for AI Adoption. (a) Agencies are directed to utilize special hiring and pay authorities, as well as novel talent programs from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other relevant agencies, to accelerate the hiring of technical AI talent into the Federal Government.
(b) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the OPM Director, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, and in consultation with the DNI, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Energy, the OMB Director, the APST, and the APNSA, the Homeland Security Advisor, and relevant IC elements, shall initiate efforts to establish an AI National Security Strategic Reserve of non-governmental AI talent to provide support to Federal efforts to address AI national security issues, as needed.
(c) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the DNI and the Secretary of War, in coordination with the OMB Director and IC elements, shall develop and implement an AI for National Security Curriculum, coordinated with existing Federal AI and cyber training programs. This initiative shall ensure that relevant personnel across the national security enterprise are trained to employ AI systems in accordance with applicable guidance and maintain literacy on the current AI frontier, including its capabilities, limitations, and implications for national security.
(d) Agencies shall prioritize the R&D of technologies that enable AI reliability, robustness, steerability, and controllability in fulfillment of mission requirements, including constitutional protections. They shall also develop capabilities and best practices to maintain the leadership of the national security enterprise in this domain, subject to the availability of appropriations.
(e) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of America’s most critical AI systems, the DNI, the Secretary of War, and the NSA Director, under his National Manager authorities, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall develop a joint strategy for AI risk management and assurance and implementation guidance that establishes baseline AI security practices for the national security enterprise, to be submitted to the APST, the OMB Director, the National Cyber Director, and the APNSA for review prior to publication.
(f) Within 120 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War, through the NSA Director, and the DNI shall submit standardized AI national security Test, Evaluation, Verification, and Validation methodologies, including for conformity verification and sustainment of high-security AI systems, at appropriate classification levels, to the APST and the National Cyber Director for review prior to publication, where appropriate.
Section 5 focuses on workforce and capability development.
Agencies must immediately use special hiring and pay authorities to bring technical AI talent into government service. Within 120 days, an AI National Security Strategic Reserve of non-governmental AI experts must be established to assist Federal efforts as needed.
Concurrently, within 120 days, training programs, including an AI for National Security Curriculum, must be developed to ensure personnel can properly use AI systems while understanding current technology frontiers, capabilities, and limitations.
Agencies must also prioritize R&D into technologies that ensure AI reliability and robustness, consistent with constitutional protections.
Finally, a joint strategy for AI risk management and assurance, setting baseline security practices for the enterprise, is due within 120 days.
Standardized Test, Evaluation, Verification, and Validation methodologies must also be submitted for review within the same 120-day timeframe.
Sec. 6. Definitions. For the purposes of this memorandum:
(a) “Artificial intelligence” or “AI” has the meaning set forth in 15 U.S.C. 9401(3);
(b) “AI incident response” means the preparation, detection, analysis, remediation, and recovery from intentional or unintentional performance degradation or data loss or spillage of AI systems, including technical malfunctions and adversarial attacks;
(c) “AI security” means the application of appropriate protection mechanisms across the AI technology stack to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of AI systems, from design through deployment;
(d) “AI technology stack” means the layers that enable the development and deployment of AI technologies, including AI-optimized hardware and related infrastructure, including chips, servers, accelerators, data center storage, cloud services, networking, etc.; data pipelines and labeling systems; AI models and systems; security and cybersecurity measures for AI models and systems; and AI applications for sector-specific or functional use cases;
(e) “Chain of command” means the properly designated succession of individuals through which authority, direction, and control is exercised to accomplish a lawful objective;
(f) “Controllability” means the ability to monitor the operation and outcomes of a system and take corrective action as needed.
(g) “Intelligence Community” has the meaning given the term in section 3003 of title 50, United States Code;
(h) “National security enterprise” means the Department of War, the Intelligence Community, and other agencies that develop, deploy, or use national security systems or otherwise serve a national security role;
(i) “Reliability” means the ability of a system to perform as required, without failure, under given conditions;
(j) “Robustness” means the ability of a system to maintain a level of performance under a variety of circumstances, including outside intended operating conditions; and
(k) “Steerability” means the ability to shape the internal behavior of a system to pursue a given set of objectives.
Section 6 provides formal definitions for key terms used throughout the memorandum to ensure consistent interpretation across agencies. 'Artificial intelligence' (AI) references the definition in U.S. Code Title 15.
Critical operational terms are defined, such as 'AI incident response,' which covers system degradation or data loss recovery, and 'AI security,' which involves protection mechanisms across the entire technology stack.
'AI technology stack' describes all layers necessary for AI deployment, from optimized hardware and data pipelines to the models themselves.
Other defined concepts include 'Chain of command' (the established lines of authority), 'Controllability' (the ability to monitor and correct a system's actions), 'Reliability' (performing as required without failure), 'Robustness' (maintaining performance under varying circumstances), and 'Steerability' (shaping system behavior to meet objectives).
The definition for the 'National security enterprise' encompasses the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and other relevant agencies.
Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
DONALD J. TRUMP
The post National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-11 appeared first on The White House.
Section 7 outlines the General Provisions, which clarify the scope of the memorandum.
It specifies that the directive does not impair or affect the legal authority granted to any executive department or agency head.
Additionally, it preserves the Director of the Office of Management and Budget's functions concerning budget, administration, or legislative proposals.
Implementation must comply with existing laws and depend on available funding.
Finally, this order explicitly states it does not create any enforceable substantive or procedural rights or benefits for any person or entity against the United States government.
The document concludes with the signature block for Donald J. Trump, indicating the date of issuance is likely tied to the provided URL slug date.
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