On February 28, in a significant move, President Trump mandated all federal agencies to cease the use of technology developed by Anthropic, a prominent artificial intelligence company. This decision comes in the wake of increasing tensions between Anthropic and the U.S. Department of War, with the President raising alarms regarding potential risks to military operations.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump voiced his objections, emphasizing that the U.S. would not permit what he described as a “radical left” firm to influence military strategies. He declared that military decision-making should remain under the purview of the Commander-in-Chief and appointed military leaders. The President accused Anthropic of attempting to impose its terms on the military, suggesting that their actions jeopardize American lives and national security.

Trump announced an immediate cessation of Anthropic’s technology usage across federal platforms, underlining a six-month phase-out period for departments including the Department of War. Within this timeframe, he urged the company to cooperate and align its practices with governmental expectations. He warned of severe civil and criminal implications should Anthropic fail to meet compliance during this transition.

In his post, Trump asserted that the U.S. would determine its fate rather than allow what he deemed an “out-of-control” AI company to dictate military actions. The statement culminated in his rallying cry of “Make America Great Again,” emphasizing a return to traditional values in governance.

Department of War Criticism and Tensions with Anthropic

The day prior to Trump’s announcement, the U.S. Department of War conveyed sharp criticism towards Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei. This came after the company opted not to lift specific safeguards on its AI systems intended for military applications, drawing ire from military officials.

U.S. Under Secretary of War Emil Michael addressed Amodei directly, accusing him of overstepping his bounds by attempting to sway military decision-making. Michael labeled Amodei a “liar” and suggested he possessed a “God complex,” which further fueled the ongoing dispute between the military and the AI company.

The conflict raises broader questions regarding the role of private tech companies in national defense and military strategy. Trump’s order represents a significant pivot in the U.S. government’s approach to collaboration with AI firms, particularly in areas related to security and defense technologies.

As federal agencies prepare to navigate this transition away from Anthropic, the implications of this directive could have lasting effects on partnerships between the military and technology companies. The controversy underscores the delicate balance between innovation in AI and the necessary safeguards for national security.

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