Trump Orders US Agencies to Stop Using Anthropic AI After Ethics Fight

President Trump has ordered all US federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI technology. The Pentagon has six months to find new AI tools.
By Newsroom | Technology, Government |

A high-stakes dispute between the U.S. government and an artificial intelligence company has culminated in a presidential order to halt the use of its technology across federal agencies. The conflict centers on ethical guidelines for the application of advanced AI, particularly concerning domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons systems.

Context: A Clash Over AI Ethics and Government Use

The core of the current situation involves a disagreement between Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company, and the Department of Defense (Pentagon).

Trump Tells Feds to Stop Using Claude AI After Anthropic Stood by Surveillance Restrictions - 1

  • The Standoff: The Pentagon had set a deadline for Anthropic to remove restrictions on how its AI model, Claude, could be used. These restrictions specifically target the use of Claude for mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons systems.

  • Anthropic's Stance: Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, stated that the company would not compromise on these ethical boundaries. He believes that while AI is crucial for national defense, certain applications can undermine democratic values.

  • Government's Position: Defense officials sought "lawful use" of the AI technology, which Anthropic interpreted as a demand for unfettered access. Some within the government, like Representative Mike Hegseth, raised the possibility of using the Defense Production Act to compel Anthropic to provide an unrestricted version of its AI.

  • Rival Companies' Stance: Other major AI companies, including OpenAI and xAI, have publicly indicated support for Anthropic's position. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman communicated to his employees that OpenAI also intends to establish similar limitations regarding autonomous weapons and mass surveillance.

The Presidential Intervention

On Friday, President Donald Trump issued a directive ordering all federal agencies to immediately stop using Anthropic's technology.

Trump Tells Feds to Stop Using Claude AI After Anthropic Stood by Surveillance Restrictions - 2

  • Immediate Cessation: The order mandates an "IMMEDIATELY CEASE" of all Anthropic product use by federal agencies.

  • Phased Transition: The Department of Defense, which uses Anthropic's technology in classified settings, has been given a six-month period to transition away from the AI.

  • Presidential Statement: Trump announced his decision via the Truth Social platform, characterizing Anthropic's stance as a "DISASTROUS MISTAKE" and accusing the company of attempting to "STRONG-ARM" the Department of Defense. He further stated, "We don't need it, we don't want it, and will not do business with them again!"

Evidence of the Dispute and Order

Multiple reports confirm the sequence of events and the presidential directive.

Trump Tells Feds to Stop Using Claude AI After Anthropic Stood by Surveillance Restrictions - 3

  • Anthropic's Refusal: On Thursday, Anthropic confirmed its refusal to yield to the Pentagon's demands regarding surveillance and autonomous weapons use. Sources indicate that Anthropic asked the Department of Defense to agree to specific limits.

  • Pentagon Deadline: The deadline set by the Pentagon for Anthropic to drop its restrictions was 5:01 p.m. ET on Friday.

  • Presidential Order: President Trump's directive was posted on Truth Social, with explicit instructions for federal agencies to cease using Anthropic's technology. The order includes a six-month phase-out period for agencies like the Department of Defense.

  • Public Statements: Dario Amodei released a statement on Thursday asserting that threats from the Defense Department would not alter Anthropic's commitment to safety guardrails.

  • Legal Ramifications: The situation highlights the growing tension between AI developers' ethical considerations and government demands for unrestricted access to advanced technology, particularly for defense and intelligence purposes. Legal experts note that in contract law, parties often seek clarity on terms, and the government's ability to acquire data without warrants raises the stakes with AI.

The AI Ethics Divide

The central issue revolves around the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence, with Anthropic advocating for specific limitations to prevent misuse, while the Pentagon sought broader access.

Trump Tells Feds to Stop Using Claude AI After Anthropic Stood by Surveillance Restrictions - 4

  • Anthropic's Principles: Anthropic believes that while AI can defend democratic values, certain applications, like mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, could undermine them. They have publicly stated their commitment to these principles.

  • Governmental Concerns: The Pentagon's objective is to ensure national security and maintain a technological edge, which involves exploring all lawful applications of AI. The potential for AI to aid in intelligence gathering and defense operations is significant.

  • Industry Solidarity: The public dispute has led to solidarity among AI companies. Executives from OpenAI and others have signaled their alignment with Anthropic's concerns, indicating a broader industry unease with potential governmental overreach in AI usage.

National Security vs. Ethical Boundaries

The conflict represents a critical juncture where national security imperatives appear to clash with corporate ethical frameworks regarding AI.

  • Security Imperatives: The Department of Defense emphasizes the need for advanced technological tools to counter adversaries and ensure national security. The ability to use AI for surveillance and in weapons systems is seen as vital.

  • Ethical Red Lines: Anthropic has drawn clear lines, refusing to permit its AI for uses it deems detrimental to democratic principles. This stance reflects a growing awareness within the AI sector of the potential societal impact of their creations.

  • Potential for Escalation: The possibility of invoking the Defense Production Act suggests a governmental willingness to exert greater control over AI technologies deemed critical for national security, potentially overriding private company restrictions.

Government Agencies' Options and Timelines

With the presidential order in effect, federal agencies must now adjust their reliance on Anthropic's AI products.

  • Immediate Ban: Most agencies are required to stop using Anthropic's technology without delay.

  • Pentagon's Six-Month Grace Period: The Department of Defense has until mid-August 2026 to find alternatives and fully phase out Anthropic's AI from its systems. This is a complex undertaking, as Anthropic's technology is reportedly used in classified settings and is embedded in various military platforms.

  • Finding Alternatives: Agencies will likely need to assess and integrate AI solutions from other providers, such as xAI or potentially other entities with contracts to supply AI models to the military.

Expert Perspectives

Legal and technology experts have weighed in on the implications of this standoff.

"It's typical in contract law for those involved to seek clarity on terms. The government can already buy information like Americans' browsing history and records of individual movements without a warrant, but artificial intelligence raises the stakes." - Michael Pastor, dean for technology law programs at New York Law School.

This statement highlights the existing complexities surrounding data privacy and government access, which are amplified by the capabilities of advanced AI. The situation underscores the evolving landscape of AI regulation and the challenges in balancing innovation with ethical considerations and public trust.

Read More: OpenAI New Rules Would Report Tumbler Ridge Shooter to Police

Conclusion: A Widening Divide and Future Implications

President Trump's order to cease the use of Anthropic's AI technology marks a significant escalation in the dispute between the federal government and AI developers over ethical usage. The core issue remains the tension between national security demands for unrestricted AI access and companies' efforts to implement safety guardrails against potentially harmful applications like mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.

  • Findings:

  • Anthropic has publicly refused the Pentagon's demand for unrestricted use of its Claude AI for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.

  • President Trump has ordered all federal agencies to immediately cease using Anthropic's technology, with a six-month phase-out period for the Department of Defense.

  • The President characterized Anthropic's stance as "woke" and detrimental to national security.

  • Other AI companies, such as OpenAI, have expressed solidarity with Anthropic's ethical red lines.

  • Implications:

  • This directive creates an immediate operational challenge for federal agencies reliant on Anthropic's AI.

  • The Pentagon faces a substantial logistical and technical hurdle in replacing or adapting its systems within the six-month timeframe.

  • The conflict signals a potential increase in government scrutiny and pressure on AI companies to align their products with governmental objectives, possibly through legislative or executive action.

  • The broader AI industry is closely watching, as the resolution of this dispute could set precedents for how AI is developed, regulated, and utilized in critical sectors.

  • Next Steps:

  • Federal agencies will begin the process of identifying and integrating alternative AI solutions.

  • The Department of Defense will work towards phasing out Anthropic's technology from its classified and operational systems.

  • The standoff may prompt further legislative discussions or executive actions regarding AI governance and the balance between innovation, security, and ethical deployment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did President Trump order federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI?
President Trump ordered agencies to stop using Anthropic AI because the company refused to remove ethical limits on its AI use for domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. The President called this a 'disastrous mistake'.
Q: What is the deadline for federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI?
All federal agencies must immediately stop using Anthropic AI products. The Department of Defense has a six-month period to transition away from the technology.
Q: What was the disagreement between Anthropic and the Pentagon about?
The Pentagon wanted Anthropic to remove limits on how its AI, Claude, could be used, especially for mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, refused to change these ethical rules.
Q: What are other AI companies saying about this situation?
Other major AI companies, like OpenAI and xAI, have shown support for Anthropic's position. OpenAI's CEO also stated his company plans to have similar rules against using AI for autonomous weapons and mass surveillance.
Q: What happens next for the Department of Defense?
The Department of Defense has six months, until mid-August 2026, to stop using Anthropic's AI. They will need to find and switch to different AI tools for their classified and operational systems.