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

The Trump administration is reportedly working to bolster defenses against biological attacks, particularly those potentially enabled by artificial intelligence, according to The Washington Post. This initiative follows significant staffing cuts that targeted biosecurity experts early in President Donald Trump's second term, creating concerns about federal capacity to manage biohazards.

Experts familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that a dedicated team focused on biological security, which comprised about 30 people by the end of the previous administration, was drastically reduced. At times, no White House staff were solely assigned to biosecurity. The administration also rescinded a 2023 executive order aimed at strengthening biological safeguards related to AI and questioned a 2024 policy requiring genetic component sellers to screen customers. While a revised order was called for by August 2025, it has not yet materialized.

Despite these concerns, the administration is also highlighting AI's potential benefits in biosecurity. Trump has previously suggested AI could aid in preventing disasters caused by biological weapons. A former health official involved in rapid vaccine production during the first Trump administration is now reportedly at the Pentagon, exploring AI applications for pandemic defense and biowarfare deterrence.

However, departments crucial to biosecurity have been significantly depleted. Key units like the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy and a National Security Council health security unit were shut down. Reorganizations also affected parts of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security responsible for biological threats. The Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy was reportedly reopened in the spring following the start of the Ebola outbreak.