OpenAI GPT-5.6 Delayed: Trump White House Requests Access

OpenAI is delaying the public release of its new AI models, GPT-5.6, at the request of the Trump White House. The company confirmed this on Friday. OpenAI will first share these models with a small set of government-approved customers. They will then work with the administration to slowly expand access. OpenAI hopes to make GPT-5.6 available to everyone in the coming weeks. The company stated in a blog post that they do not believe this government access process should become the long-term default. They believe it keeps the best tools from users and partners. They see this as a short-term step for broader availability soon. This request follows a recent executive order by President Trump to address cybersecurity concerns with powerful AI models. This creates an uncertain environment for other US AI labs.