Trump Administration Halts US Agencies’ Use of Anthropic AI

President Donald Trump has directed all U.S. Federal agencies to cease using technology developed by Anthropic, following a public dispute with the Pentagon regarding artificial intelligence safety. The move, announced on February 28, 2026, comes after the Pentagon designated Anthropic a national security “supply chain risk.”

Dispute with the Pentagon

The conflict between Anthropic and the Pentagon centers on the AI company’s refusal to allow unrestricted use of its technology, specifically concerning its application in fully autonomous weapons systems and mass domestic surveillance. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has publicly stated the company’s opposition to these uses.

Supply Chain Risk Designation

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk, a label typically reserved for foreign adversaries. This designation effectively prohibits defense contractors from utilizing Anthropic’s AI in their work with the military. Hegseth stated on social media that America’s warfighters would not be “held hostage by the ideological whims of Large Tech.” Source: ABC News

Transition Period

Despite the directive, the Pentagon will continue to receive services from Anthropic for up to six months to ensure a smooth transition to alternative AI providers. Source: ABC News

Anthropic’s Response

Anthropic expressed that it had not received direct communication from the Pentagon or the White House regarding the status of negotiations prior to the public announcements. The company plans to challenge the “supply chain risk” designation, arguing it is legally unsound and sets a dangerous precedent for American companies negotiating with the government. Source: BBC News, Source: ABC News

Trump’s Announcement

President Trump announced the directive to federal agencies via a post on his Truth Social platform, stating, “We don’t need it, we don’t want it, and will not do business with them again!” Source: BBC News

Unique Case

Anthropic is the first U.S. Company to publicly receive a “supply chain risk” designation. Source: BBC News Prior to this, Anthropic was the only AI company with approval to use its software for classified applications within the U.S. Military. Source: AP News

Key Takeaways

• President Trump has ordered all U.S. Federal agencies to stop using Anthropic technology.
• The decision stems from a dispute over the ethical use of AI, specifically regarding autonomous weapons, and surveillance.
• Anthropic has been designated a national security “supply chain risk” by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
• Anthropic intends to legally challenge the designation.