OpenAI is reportedly postponing the general release of its latest AI model, GPT-5.6, to comply with a government “request.” Instead, the company will gradually roll out access to its latest model, starting with a limited preview for a small group of early testers, according to a Thursday report from The Information. The request came from the Office of National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross and the Office of Science and Technology Policy, headed by Michael Kratsios. It followed weeks-long deliberations between OpenAI and federal officials over how GPT-5.6 would be released, according to The Information. The company reportedly shared its plan for a staggered release earlier this week. Then, CEO Sam Altman received a call from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advising against even that tentative launch before other government agencies were able to sign off on it. To comply, OpenAI has opted to essentially give the Trump administration control over who can use the new model and when they’ll be able to use it. Altman reportedly told staff in a memo on Thursday that the government would be approving access to GPT-5.6 “customer by customer” during the staggered rollout for GPT-5.6. “We’ve made clear to the U.S. government that this is not our preferred long term model, and will work with them and others in industry to achieve a more sustainable approach for future releases,” Altman added in the memo. The New York Times also reported on Thursday that OpenAI is considering holding off on its highly anticipated IPO until next year. That’s ostensibly due mainly to market volatility and the shakiness of rival SpaceX’s own stock market debut, but one has to suspect that the industry’s relationship with an unpredictable and often vindictive government is also contributing to the cold feet. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.