The White House Office of Management and Budget recently issued a pair of memos outlining guidelines for the use and purchase of artificial intelligence (AI) in government agencies. These memos, dated April 3, mark an important policy shift under the Trump administration regarding the government’s utilization of AI technology. This move comes after President Trump initially rolled back former President Biden’s executive order on AI and later issued his own order calling for a comprehensive AI action plan and a review of the previous administration’s efforts in the field.
The first memo (M-25-21) focuses on providing agencies with a framework for accelerating the federal use of AI, emphasizing innovation, governance, and public trust. This aligns with the executive order on AI issued during the first Trump administration. However, the memo also retains key elements from the Biden administration, such as the establishment of chief AI officers and a management process for high-impact AI applications. The second memo (M-25-22) pertains to AI acquisition and replaces the Biden administration’s guidance on government procurement of AI technology.
In a separate development, Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Chuck Grassley introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding the investigative powers of the U.S. Secret Service in financial cybercrime cases. The Combatting Money Laundering in Cyber Crime Act seeks to enhance the agency’s authority to probe criminal activities related to digital assets. Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of updating federal law to address evolving criminal tactics and technology, stating that law enforcement agencies must adapt to safeguard communities. The legislation addresses a current gap in the Secret Service’s jurisdiction, allowing for investigations into digital asset transactions associated with transnational cyber criminal activities.
The Daily Scoop Podcast, which covers the latest news from Washington, is available for listeners every Monday-Friday afternoon. To stay informed about the latest developments in the nation’s capital, listeners can subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, and YouTube.
Overall, these recent policy initiatives and legislative efforts reflect the evolving landscape of AI governance and cybersecurity in the United States government, highlighting the importance of adapting to new technologies and criminal tactics to ensure national security and public trust.