AI in May (2026)
Written by Emily Wolfteich
Senior Industry Analyst
1. The Pentagon says it will “never again” rely on a single AI provider.
In early May, Defense Under Secretary for Research and Engineering Emil Michael announced that the Department of Defense would "never again" depend on a single AI vendor, framing newly signed agreements with multiple commercial AI companies as a direct response to the Pentagon's recent experience with Anthropic. The announcement reinforced the department's shift toward a diversified, competitive AI ecosystem rather than exclusive platform relationships.
2. Pentagon expands GenAI.mil with eight commercial AI providers.
On May 1, Defense One reported that the Pentagon had reached agreements with eight companies to provide AI capabilities through GenAI.mil, the department's centralized generative AI platform for classified and sensitive environments. The initiative brings multiple frontier AI models into a common government-managed environment intended to accelerate operational use across the military.
3. Federal officials warn AI is compressing cyber response timelines.
At a May cybersecurity forum covered by GovExec, federal and intelligence leaders argued that advanced AI models are dramatically accelerating both cyberattacks and defensive operations. Officials described a new reality in which threat actors can automate exploitation while defenders increasingly rely on AI-assisted detection and remediation, with one participant characterizing the shift as turning "30 days" into "30 hours."
4. California courts begin testing an AI “clerk” for judicial workflows
A major judicial AI pilot is underway in Los Angeles and Riverside counties, where courts are testing an artificial intelligence assistant to support clerical functions. The tool, called Learned Hand, is being used by “civil and probate attorneys [to] draft research memos that help judges reach their decisions,” adding that this research is typical support.
5. Florida enacts new law governing AI data centers.
Florida has enacted legislation establishing new requirements for AI-related data center development, including provisions designed to ensure that the facilities bear their own utility costs rather than shifting those expenses onto consumers, allowing communities to set stricter policies, and building transparency and environmental protections into data center development. The law reflects the growing intersection of AI policy, energy infrastructure, and economic development at the state level.
To read additional thought leadership from Emily, connect with her on LinkedIn.
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