On October 24, 2024, the Biden administration unveiled a comprehensive National Security Memorandum (NSM) focused on advancing U. S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its broader national security strategy. This initiative stems from the AI Executive Order issued in October 2023, which emphasized the safe and trustworthy development of AI. The NSM, spanning nearly 40 pages, primarily addresses the emerging field of frontier AI models—advanced systems exemplified by technologies like ChatGPT—rather than the deep learning AI technologies that dominated the last decade. The memorandum emphasizes the transformative potential of these frontier models across various applications, highlighting their urgency for national security. Historical parallels are drawn between the NSM and pivotal U. S. strategies from earlier technological revolutions, such as those responding to nuclear and space advancements during the Cold War. The memo serves varied audiences, including U. S. federal agencies, AI companies, allies, and adversaries, outlining how the government intends to collaborate with each of these groups to maintain global AI leadership. The NSM sets three primary objectives for U. S. national security: 1.

**Maintaining leadership in advanced AI development** by prioritizing the attraction of AI talent and enhancing infrastructure for AI systems. 2. **Facilitating the adoption of frontier AI** within national security agencies, ensuring they effectively utilize AI technologies. 3. **Developing governance frameworks** that clarify decision-making authority and processes regarding AI use in the national security context. In addition, the accompanying National Security AI Governance Framework delineates specific guidelines for the responsible deployment of AI across all U. S. government sectors, emphasizing accountability and safety. The memorandum is expected to influence future AI safety and security initiatives, asserting that enhanced governance can foster quicker AI adoption by alleviating concerns about regulatory compliance. While the NSM is poised for significant impact, its implementation may vary depending on the outcomes of the upcoming U. S. presidential election, with potential shifts in policy direction depending on the succeeding administration. Gregory C. Allen and Isaac Goldston contributed to this analysis, underscoring the complexities surrounding the evolving national security landscape in relation to artificial intelligence advancements.