The Trump administration’s decision to keep its new framework for government AI testing under wraps has left the tech policy sector caught off guard. Many in the community had anticipated seeing the controversial process addressed but were kept in the dark.

The framework was anticipated to outline procedures and standards for governmental testing of private AI models before their release to the public. Industry analysts hoped it would resolve confusion regarding the administration’s influence in the private sector’s model releases.

During a briefing hosted by the White House for leading AI labs, participants were informed that the framework would not be made public, according to several sources familiar with the meeting. Neil Chilson, head of AI policy at the Abundance Institute, expressed disappointment, noting that the lack of public availability makes achieving clarity around the process more challenging.

Labs such as Anthropic, Meta, OpenAI, and Microsoft attended Tuesday’s briefing. Forbes reported attendance from Nvidia and smaller companies as well. It remains unclear if firms that did not attend will gain access to the framework.

The directive requires multiple agencies to establish a classified benchmarking process to evaluate AI models’ cyber capabilities within 60 days. Although the benchmarks stay confidential, a voluntary framework will be developed, outlining how a company may become designated as a ‘covered frontier model.’ The framework also involves collaboration with the federal government to select ‘trusted partners’ that will have early access to new models.

The Foundation for American Innovation (FAI), a technology policy think tank, has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to the White House’s Office of Cyber Director for the release of the framework, according to Samuel Hammond, FAI’s chief economist and AI policy director.

This development comes amidst mixed sentiments on tech policy, including statements from President Trump, who emphasized the importance of data centers and warned against their opposition, and Geoffrey Hinton’s commentary on the future of AI sophistication.