Chris Fall, the director of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, resigns

Chris Fall, the director of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, is resigning just three months after taking over the federal AI testing institute. The abrupt departure comes as the Trump administration grapples with how to deploy AI safely and the agency hashes out standards. Fall was appointed in April 2026 to lead the Department of Commerce's Center for AI Standards and Innovation after the administration reorganized the agency formerly known as the U.S. AI Safety Institute. Commerce spokesperson Benno Kass confirmed Fall's resignation. "Following Chris's departure, NIST Director Dr. Arvind Raman will continue to oversee CAISI and will serve as Acting CAISI Director," said Commerce spokesperson Kristen Eichamer.