Trump Orders Federal Agencies to Halt Use of Anthropic AI

President Donald Trump has directed all U.S. Federal agencies to cease using technology developed by Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company, following a dispute with the Pentagon over the military’s use of the company’s AI model, Claude. The order, announced Friday, February 26, 2026, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the administration and a leading AI developer.

Clash Over AI Safety and Military Applications

The conflict stems from Anthropic’s reluctance to fully open the scope of military applications for its AI model, Claude. Anthropic reportedly refused to lift its restrictions on using Claude for mass domestic surveillance and the development of fully autonomous weapons systems, even after what the Pentagon described as a “best and final offer.” AP News

President Trump expressed strong disapproval of Anthropic’s position, stating on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. “will never allow radical leftist ‘woke’ corporations to dictate how our great military fights and wins wars.” He accused the company of attempting to “STRONG-ARM” the Department of War (formerly the Department of Defense) and endangering national security. Times Now News

Implementation and Consequences

The order mandates that all federal agencies “immediately” stop using Anthropic’s technology. However, agencies like the Department of Defense will be granted a six-month phase-out period to transition away from Anthropic’s products. CBS News Trump warned that Anthropic must cooperate during this transition or face “major civil and criminal consequences.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth followed up by designating Anthropic as a “Supply-Chain Risk to National Security,” effectively barring contractors, suppliers, and partners of the U.S. Military from engaging in commercial activities with the company. CBS News Despite this designation, Anthropic will continue to provide services to the Department of War for the next six months to facilitate a smooth transition.

Anthropic’s Response

Anthropic has labeled the designation as a “supply chain risk” as an “unprecedented measure” and intends to challenge it in court. The company maintains its stance against allowing its AI to be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons, arguing that such applications could violate fundamental rights. AP News

Anthropic emphasized that its safeguards will remain in place, stating that “No amount of threats or punishment from the Department of Defense will change our position on domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.” Times Now News

Claude’s Unique Position

Currently, Claude is the only AI model authorized for use in classified U.S. Military systems. Removing it from these workflows is expected to be a significant undertaking for the Department of Defense. Times Now News

Politico