Former President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing all federal agencies to cease using Anthropic's AI models, following a dispute between the company and the Pentagon. The move represents a significant escalation in Trump's ongoing criticism of AI companies he views as opposing his political agenda.
Trump's Executive Order
In a social media post, Trump declared, "We don't need it, we don't want it, and will not do business with them again," referring to Anthropic, the San Francisco-based AI company known for developing the Claude AI assistant. The executive order, which takes effect immediately, mandates that all federal departments and agencies halt their use of Claude and related services within 30 days.
Background and Context
The conflict stems from a disagreement over the Pentagon's procurement of AI systems. Anthropic had been working with the Department of Defense on various AI projects, including the development of AI-powered tools for military applications. However, the Pentagon reportedly had concerns about the company's stance on certain defense contracts, leading to a breakdown in their relationship.
Trump's order appears to be part of a broader pattern of anti-AI sentiment, as he has previously criticized companies like OpenAI and Google for what he perceives as their liberal bias. The executive order also signals Trump's intention to reassert control over federal AI procurement decisions, potentially reshaping how the U.S. government approaches AI technology partnerships.
Industry Reactions
Industry analysts are watching closely to see how this order will impact federal AI initiatives. The Pentagon has not yet commented on the executive order, but the move could disrupt ongoing projects that rely on Anthropic's technology. The order may also prompt other federal agencies to reassess their AI partnerships and could lead to increased scrutiny of AI vendors with political affiliations or stances.
As the federal government navigates the complex landscape of AI governance, this executive action underscores the growing intersection of politics and technology in shaping AI policy.
