President Trump issued an executive order halting federal use of Anthropic AI due to defense concerns, as Pentagon designated Anthropic a supply chain risk
Executive Order on Federal Use of Anthropic AI
On Friday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating all federal agencies to immediately cease the use of Anthropic's artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This decision comes as the Pentagon neared a critical deadline for Anthropic to dismantle guardrails on the military’s use of its AI.
Defense Department’s Decision and Impact
Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth followed up by designating Anthropic a supply chain risk, prohibiting any commercial activity with the company. Despite this, Hegseth stated that Anthropic would continue to provide services for six months to ensure a smooth transition to alternative providers.
Conflict Over AI Guardrails
The controversy stems from disagreements between the Pentagon and Anthropic over the necessity of guardrails on AI systems. The military demands unrestricted access to Anthropic's technology, while the company seeks restrictions against mass surveillance and autonomous targeting decisions without human involvement. Anthropic argues that its models are not reliable enough for critical missions.
Previous Negotiations and Legal Challenges
Last July, Anthropic was awarded a $200 million contract by the Pentagon to develop AI capabilities for national security. Currently, it is the sole provider of an AI model on the Pentagon's classified networks via a partnership with Palantir. However, Grok, owned by Elon Musk’s xAI, could also potentially be used in a secure setting.
Anthropic's Stance and Trump's Rhetoric
An Anthropic spokesperson criticized the new contract language as inadequate, stating it "made virtually no progress" on safeguards against mass surveillance or autonomous weapon use. President Trump labeled Anthropic a "Radical Left AI company," emphasizing his administration’s commitment to patriotism over technology.
Political Implications and Criticism
Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia accused the president and Hegseth of political bullying, warning that such actions could lead to "AI-driven weapons without safeguards." He highlighted concerns about national security decisions being influenced by political considerations rather than rigorous analysis.
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