US Orders DeepSeek Removal From Federal Systems as Company Releases Faster AI Model

The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security issued an order on October 20, 2026, requiring all federal civilian agencies to remove Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's products from government IT systems and cease purchasing services, citing national security risks. The directive extends beyond DeepSeek's own offerings to encompass third-party products and services built using DeepSeek technology, though agencies may request exceptions. The move marks a significant escalation in US efforts to contain Chinese AI capabilities after an initial December 2025 law restricted DeepSeek use in intelligence and national security systems.