The White House is contemplating executive orders on artificial intelligence regulation, but the specifics of the orders are still the subject of active debate, sources close to the administration told The Daily Signal. The New York Times first reported that the White House is looking into an executive order to create a vetting system for frontier AI models.  The White House has worked on several draft executive orders, but the matter of which proposals make it to the president’s desk is still being debated, sources familiar with the matter said. It is likely that one or more AI executive orders will be signed in the next two weeks.  There are differences of opinion within the administration about how strong the vetting process of new models should be, as some officials prefer a light touch to regulation while others want to aggressively vet new models. The administration had previously taken a light touch to AI regulation, with officials like former AI czar David Sacks criticizing AI “doomers” who fear negative outcomes from the rapidly advancing technology.  However, White House officials were motivated to implement a more heavy-handed approach due to increased awareness of the national security risks posed by new models like Anthropic’s Mythos, as well as concerns about AI-enabled cyber attacks before the midterms, sources said.  A White House official told The Daily Signal that any policy announcement on the subject will come directly from the president. “Discussion about potential executive orders is speculation. The White House continues to proactively engage across government and industry to protect our country and the American people,” the official said. “This includes working with frontier AI labs to discuss opportunities for collaboration, as well as shared approaches and protocols to address the challenges associated with scaling this technology,” the official added. “We are also exploring the balance between advancing innovation and ensuring security. The collective effort of all involved will ultimately benefit our country and economy.” Some officials want labs to submit AI models for review pre-deployment as a condition for government contracts, sources familiar with the matter said.  On May 5, Google DeepMind, Microsoft, and xAI agreed to work with the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, the Commerce Department’s safety-centered artificial intelligence arm started under the Biden administration. The center will conduct pre-deployment evaluations and targeted research to assess frontier AI capabilities, according to a news release. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said he wants every AI lab to go through a safety review process before releasing a new model, similar to the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of new drugs.  “We’re studying possibly an executive order to give a clear road map to everybody about how this is going to go and how future AIs that also could potentially create vulnerabilities should go through a process so that they’re released to the wild after they have been proven safe,” Hassett said on Fox News. “Just like an FDA drug.”  The reviewing role could fall to Center for AI Standards and Innovation. There are also ongoing conversations about how executive orders can address using AI models for cyber defense, sources said.  The potential executive orders could help the Trump administration secure the votes in Congress to pass its National Framework on AI. Since the news of possible orders requiring AI vetting, Democrats have shown more interest in negotiating on the framework, an AI industry source said.  President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Dec. 11 ordering the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to recommend federal AI legislation preempting any state laws in conflict with the administration’s policy. The White House released its AI framework on March 20. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration is “determined to work with our AI companies to allow them to continue to innovate, but our charge in the U.S. government is maintaining safety.” “And there is a very important calculus here between innovation and safety,” he said. “And the U.S. government, we’re going to make sure that things stay safe.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on AI:“What we’ve had in the past month was a step change in the power of one large language model, but we’re going to see it from the other AI companies. And it’s important, Maria, that the U.S. stays ahead here. Imagine if China or some… pic.twitter.com/xEbAQwmO95— Kyle Chan (@kyleichan) May 6, 2026 Following Bessent and Hassett’s remarks stressing AI guardrails, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles made a rare X post saying that “President Trump is the most forward leaning president on innovation in American history.” “When it comes to AI and cyber security, President Trump and his administration are not in the business of picking winners and losers,” she said, seemingly indicating that an FDA-like approval regime for AI is unlikely. “This administration has one goal; ensure the best and safest tech is deployed rapidly to defeat any and all threats. We appreciate the effort being made by the frontier labs to ensure that goal is met.” “The White House will continue to lead an America First effort that empowers America’s great innovators, not bureaucracy, to drive safe deployment of powerful technologies while keeping America safe,” she added. “Really, it’s common sense!” President Trump is the most forward leaning president on innovation in American history. When it comes to AI and cyber security, President Trump and his administration are not in the business of picking winners and losers. This administration has one goal; ensure the best and…— Susie Wiles (@SusieWiles47) May 7, 2026