OpenAI to Stagger GPT-5.6, Limit Early Access to Approved Customers

OpenAI has agreed to stagger the public release of its latest AI model, GPT-5.6 (ChatGPT 5.6), and limit initial access to federally approved customers, following a request from the Trump administration. Reported by The Information on June 25, 2026, the arrangement involves the White House's Office of the National Cyber Director, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, with the government approving access "customer by customer" during the preview period. The background to the delayed rollout has been described.