ToplineThe Commerce Department on Tuesday announced agreements with Google, Microsoft and Elon Musk’s xAI that will allow the Trump administration to review the company’s new AI models before they are publicly released, a reversal in Trump’s approach to the technology after a fallout with Anthropic. A possible executive order may increase oversight of the emerging technology. Getty ImagesKey FactsThe Center for AI Standards and Innovation announced amended partnerships with Google DeepMind, Microsoft and xAI, allowing the government to evaluate AI models before they are publicly available, as well as “post-deployment assessment and other research.”The announcement followed a report from the New York Times indicating the Trump administration is considering an executive order to establish a working group on AI featuring tech executives and government officials, including plans for a formal government review process for new AI models.The review process reportedly may be similar to one under development in the U.K., which has tasked several government agencies to review safety standards for AI.White House officials held talks with executives from Anthropic, Google and OpenAI about some of the plans under consideration, according to the Times.Surprising FactIn March, Trump appointed 13 members to a new AI advisory panel, which reportedly included Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and Dell founder Michael Dell. Trump said in January the group would advise the president on “matters involving science, technology, education and innovation policy.” The appointments came as the Trump administration issued a legislative framework it wanted Congress to implement, creating a uniform national AI policy that would supersede state rules. Key BackgroundTrump signaled a preference for relaxed oversight of AI last year, saying in July, “We have to grow that baby and let that baby thrive,” adding, “We can’t stop it with foolish rules and even stupid rules.” He said some regulation could be necessary, but noted any rules would have to be “more brilliant than even the technology itself.” Trump’s opinion on AI appeared to shift after Anthropic and Pentagon officials entered a contract dispute in February. During the talks, Anthropic said it turned down a request from the Trump administration for unrestricted access to the AI models, after which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he would designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk to national security. Anthropic filed a lawsuit to block the Pentagon’s move, but a federal appeals court earlier this month refused a temporary pause on the designation while the lawsuit plays out. Despite the dispute, Anthropic cofounder Jack Clark said the company was in talks with the federal government about its AI model Claude Mythos, which the company claimed could exploit security flaws in “every major operating system and web browser” and warned it was too dangerous for public use. The White House has feared possible repercussions of an AI-enabled cyberattack in recent weeks, the Times reported.TangentThe Pentagon last week announced agreements with OpenAI, Alphabet, Nvidia, SpaceX, Microsoft, Amazon and Reflection for their AI tools to be used on the agency’s classified networks for “lawful operational use.” AI capabilities from each firm will be integrated into the Pentagon’s networks to streamline data analysis, “elevate situational understanding and augment warfighter decision-making in complex operational environments,” the Pentagon said. Further ReadingWhite House Considers Vetting AI Models Before They Are Released (New York Times)Trump Taps Zuckerberg, Huang And Ellison For White House AI Panel (Forbes)OpenAI, Nvidia, Alphabet And More Sign AI Deal With Pentagon For Classified Military Use (Forbes)