OMB Memorandum M-26-04: Increasing Public Trust in Artificial Intelligence Through Unbiased AI Principles

Summary

OMB guidance implementing Executive Order 14319 of July 23, 2025. It applies the order's two Unbiased AI Principles, truth-seeking and ideological neutrality, to large language models that federal agencies procure. New LLM contracts must include requirements on compliance with the principles, and existing contracts are to be modified, at the latest before an option is exercised. Agencies had to update their procurement policies by March 11, 2026, including a way for users to report outputs that violate the principles. Agencies should request vendor documentation (for example acceptable use policies and model, system or data cards) sufficient to assess risk management at the model, system and/or application level. National security systems are excluded. The memo lapses two years after issuance unless the OMB Director provides otherwise.

Key dates

1. December 11, 2025Issued
2. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
3. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. December 11, 2025 M-26-04

   Supports: Memo number and issue date

   On July 23, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14319

   Supports: Implements EO 14319

   No later than March 11, 2026, agencies must update their policies and procedures to ensure that contracts for the procurement of LLMs include contractual requirements addressing compliance with the Unbiased AI Principles.

   Supports: Agency compliance deadline

   Documentation requests should seek enough information for an agency to assess a vendor's risk management actions at the model, system, and/or application level

   Supports: Vendor documentation requirement

   This memorandum shall cease to have any force or effect two years after the date of its issuance, unless the Director of OMB provides otherwise.

   Supports: Sunset

   OMB Memorandum M-26-04 Office of Management and Budget Primary source