By Breaking Editor 
President Donald Trump has instructed every federal agency to cease the use of Anthropic’s artificial intelligence technology, following the company’s refusal to comply with Pentagon demands for unrestricted military applications. In a statement, Trump highlighted his administration’s concerns regarding the potential misuse of AI technologies during a campaign rally, signifying a growing tension between tech companies and government demands.
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, publicly rejected the Pentagon’s calls to remove safety guidelines from its AI, Claude, which officials sought for “any lawful use.” Amodei expressed his commitment to ethical AI deployment, citing potential risks of mass surveillance and fully autonomous weapons as key factors in his decision. “The threats do not change our position: we cannot in good conscience accede to their request,” he stated, emphasizing the moral obligations of tech firms.
The dynamic between Anthropic and the Pentagon has not only sparked discussions about the future of AI applications in national security but also highlighted a divide within Silicon Valley’s tech communities. Commentators have noted the ideological split between “rationalists,” who advocate for advancing AI capabilities, and “accelerationists,” who push for regulatory oversight and ethical considerations—both factions have shown a vested interest in Anthropic’s trajectory.
As the controversy unfolds, public sentiment appears to be swinging in favor of Amodei, labelling him as a defender of ethical AI practices. Observers highlight that Anthropic, founded in 2021 as a safety-oriented AI research lab, was established in response to concerns raised about the prioritization of performance over safety at predecessor OpenAI.
While the company may face financial repercussions due to the loss of government contracts, Amodei remains steadfast in his principles, suggesting that Anthropic may explore partnerships with organizations that align better with its governance philosophy. The move to dismiss Pentagon demands positions Anthropic as a potential leader in responsible AI development, capturing both public approval and investor interest.