Trump administration works to strengthen defenses against potential AI bioattacks – report

The Trump administration is reportedly working to enhance defenses against potential AI-driven bioattacks, following earlier staffing cuts in biosecurity expertise. During the Biden administration, a 30-person team focused on biological security, coordinating federal agencies and providing scientific guidance, was disbanded under Trump, leaving the White House at times without dedicated biosecurity personnel. The administration also revoked a 2023 executive order on AI calling for stronger biological safeguards and cast doubt on a 2024 policy requiring genetic component companies to screen customers, despite calls from experts. While the administration highlights AI's potential benefits in preventing biological disasters, departments dealing with biosecurity, including the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy and a National Security Council unit, were significantly depleted. A White House official stated, “The Administration's commitment to addressing AI and biological safety risks is clear and ongoing.” OpenAI has also briefed the White House on biological risks and developed a biodefense-specific AI model called Rosalind.