OpenAI staggers AI model release after Trump administration request

OpenAI is staggering the release of its GPT 5.6 AI model series after a request from the US government, The Guardian reported. The company behind ChatGPT announced on Friday it is launching the series with a small group of trusted partners. In a blog post, OpenAI said it previewed its plans and the models' capabilities with the government ahead of the launch. At their request, it is starting with a limited preview for trusted partners whose participation has been shared with the government before releasing more broadly. The company expressed dissatisfaction with the approach, saying it keeps the best AI tools from users, developers, enterprises, cyber defenders and global partners who need them. OpenAI said it does not believe this kind of government access process should become the long-term default but called the short-term step the strongest path to broader availability in the coming weeks. The company is working with the White House to develop a vetting and deployment framework required under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. All entities receiving initial access are US-based. GPT 5.6 comprises three versions: Sol, Terra and Luna. Sam Altman told staff the government is approving access customer by customer during the preview period, with a more general release a couple of weeks later if the process goes well. The staggered release followed conversations with the Office of the National Cyber Director and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.