Trump issues a new AI national security memo - The Daily Scoop Podcast

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The Daily Scoop Podcast

Episode: Trump Issues a New AI National Security Memo
Date: June 8, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode covers two major government technology updates: President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new AI National Security Memorandum—redefining how artificial intelligence is adopted and governed across U.S. defense and intelligence organizations—and the appointment of Ashley DeVoto as the new CIO of the Department of the Air Force. The discussion centers on policy shifts, implementation priorities, and key leadership changes in federal technology.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s New AI National Security Memorandum

[00:20]

Purpose: The memo establishes a new framework to ensure “the most advanced, secure and reliable AI systems” are accessible for U.S. warfighters and intelligence professionals—while emphasizing responsible use.

"President Donald Trump on Friday signed out a new artificial intelligence National Security Memorandum...establishes a new framework to put the most advanced, secure and reliable AI systems into the hands of America's warfighters and intelligence professionals while ensuring their responsible use."
(Billy Mitchell, 00:20)
Policy Changes:
- Rescinds Biden-era Guidance: The memo replaces National Security Memorandum 25 from October 2024, previously enacted under the Biden administration.
- Four Key Action Areas:
  - Accelerate Adoption: Calls agencies to fast-track AI deployment, identifying mission areas where AI adds operational value and removing unnecessary barriers.
    
    "Mandates accelerating adoption, calling for agencies to identify mission areas where AI can enhance operational effectiveness and to eliminate unnecessary barriers to rapid deployment to meet surging demand."
    (Billy Mitchell, 00:54)
  - Industry Collaboration: Promotes partnerships with private sector leaders to make cutting-edge AI models quickly and widely available.
  - Adaptability & Tech Diversity: Agencies are urged to use commercial or open-source AI and diversify their developer partnerships.
    
    "Prioritizing commercial or open source AI technologies and diversity in partnerships that the government enters with commercial developers."
    (Billy Mitchell, 01:31)
  - Reliability & Control: Technologies adopted must be robust, controllable, and compliant with all relevant laws and policies—primarily through contractual safeguards.
  - Accountability: Clear guidance that AI cannot be used for illicit surveillance, political censorship, or embedding ideological bias.
    
    "They can't be used to censor free speech, embed ideological bias or conduct unauthorized or unlawful surveillance activities."
    (Billy Mitchell, 02:15)

2. Department of the Air Force Appoints New CIO

[02:25]

Ashley DeVoto’s Appointment:
- Background: DeVoto, a long-time cybersecurity professional and former Air Force cyberspace operator, is the first permanent CIO since Venice Goodwine’s departure in March 2025.
- Responsibilities:
  - Oversees Air and Space Force IT modernization, enterprise IT, data/AI, cybersecurity, and business systems
  - Manages $17 billion in annual technology investments supporting over 800,000 personnel
- Notable Career Highlights:
  - Former Chief Information Security Officer at Discount Tire and Booz Allen Hamilton
  - Advisor to various cyber-focused venture and investment firms
  - Managed Air Force’s computer emergency response and network monitoring teams since 2005.
  - Spent over 15 years in active duty and reserves in cyberspace operations.
    
    "Her career started in 2005 when she became a cyberspace operator for the Air Force. During Devoto's 15 years of service, she directed full spectrum operations of the service's computer Emergency Response Team and oversaw the Air Force's network monitoring."
    (Billy Mitchell, 03:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On AI Governance Principles (00:54):

“Mandates accelerating adoption, calling for agencies to identify mission areas where AI can enhance operational effectiveness and to eliminate unnecessary barriers to rapid deployment to meet surging demand.”
(Billy Mitchell)
On Agency AI Use and Accountability (02:15):

“…can’t be used to censor free speech, embed ideological bias or conduct unauthorized or unlawful surveillance activities.”
(Billy Mitchell)
On Ashley DeVoto’s Qualifications (03:13):

“During Devoto's 15 years of service, she directed full spectrum operations of the service's computer Emergency Response Team and oversaw the Air Force's network monitoring.”
(Billy Mitchell)

Important Segment Timestamps

00:20: Trump’s AI National Security Memorandum summarized
00:54: Key directives outlined: accelerate adoption, industry partnerships, adaptability, reliability, and accountability
02:25: Announcement of Ashley DeVoto as Air Force CIO
03:13: DeVoto’s career highlights and new responsibilities

Summary

This episode delivers a concise breakdown of the latest advancements in U.S. government technology policy and leadership. The Trump administration’s new AI security memo reflects a shift toward faster, more open adoption of artificial intelligence across defense and intelligence, with strict guidelines for responsible use and partnerships. Meanwhile, the Department of the Air Force’s appointment of a cybersecurity veteran as CIO signals a continued focus on digital modernization and robust IT leadership.

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Transcript2 lines

[00:01]
A
Today on the Daily Scoop Podcast from the Scoop News Group, President Trump issues a new AI National Security Memorandum and the Air Force has a new CIO. It's Monday, June 8, 2026. Welcome to the Daily Scoop Podcast, where you'll hear the latest news and trends facing government leaders. I'm the host of the Daily Scoop Podcast, Billy Mitchell. Thanks so much for joining me. And now let's dive into the day's top headlines. President Donald Trump on Friday signed out a new artificial intelligence National Security Memorandum that the White House says establishes a new framework to put the most advanced, secure and reliable AI systems into the hands of America's warfighters and intelligence professionals while ensuring their responsible use. The memo rescinds the Biden Administration's National Security Memorandum 25 from October 2024 that similarly set governance for the use and safety of artificial intelligence in the national security and intelligence systems. The new guidance sets policies driving four key actions around AI in the national security space. First, it mandates accelerating adoption, calling for agencies to identify mission areas where AI can enhance operational effectiveness and to eliminate unnecessary barriers to rapid deployment to meet surging demand. As part of that, it calls on those agencies to maintain deep, proactive partnerships with industry to make the most advanced frontier models broadly available to national security professionals without delay. The guidance also directs the national security enterprise to be adaptable in its AI use, prioritizing commercial or open source AI technologies and diversity in partnerships that the government enters with commercial developers. As those agencies onboard AI technologies, they should also assure that the tech is reliable, robust, steerable and controllable, and that they operate in accordance with applicable laws, government policies and guidance, primarily through contractual clauses. And lastly, the memo calls on agencies to be accountable in using the models requiring that they can't be used to censor free speech, embed ideological bias or conduct unauthorized or unlawful surveillance activities. Now, moving on to other news, the Department of the Air Force has tapped Ashley devoto, a veteran and cybersecurity expert, as its new Chief Information officer, the department announced last Thursday. DeVoto enters the role after the Department has been without a permanent CIO for over a year following the departure of Venice Goodwine in March 2025. With a decades long career in cybersecurity fields, Devoto will now oversee the Air and Space Force's modernization and sustainment efforts for information technology and more. As CIO, she will lead the department's enterprise IT, data and AI, cybersecurity and defense business systems portfolios and steward approximately $17 billion in technology investments that enable the missions of more than 800,000 airmen, guardians, civilians and contractors worldwide. Devoto most recently held a number of leadership positions in industry, most of which focused on cybersecurity. She served as the Chief Information Security Officer for major companies like Discount Tire and Booz Allen Hamilton, as well as an advisor for cyber focused VC and investment firms. Her career started in 2005 when she became a cyberspace operator for the air force. During Devoto's 15 years of service, she directed full spectrum operations of the service's computer Emergency response team and oversaw the Air Force's network monitoring. Following her active duty service, devoto spent two additional years in the Air Force Reserves as a cyberspace operator. For more news at the intersection of the federal government and technology, make sure to visit fedscoop.com
[03:56]
B
thanks so much for tuning in to another episode of the Daily Scoop Podcast, available on all podcast platforms. If you've already rated the podcast on your platform of choice, thanks so much. High ratings and good reviews of the show help more people to find it. The Daily Scoop Podcast is a production of the Scoop News Group in Washington, dc. Adam Butler and Carlin Fisher help put the show together and the entire Scoop News Group team contributes. We'll be back tomorrow with more top headlines. Until then, I'm your host. As always, Billy Mitchell. Thanks so much for listening.