Defense Department Issues Ultimatum to Anthropic on AI Usage

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has warned Dario Amodei, the head of Anthropic, that he needs to remove limitations on how the U.S. military can utilize the company’s Claude AI chatbot by Friday evening, or face serious repercussions.

During a crucial meeting on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Hegseth presented Amodei with an ultimatum: the Pentagon could classify Anthropic as a “supply chain risk,” effectively blacklisting the company. Alternatively, they might invoke the Defense Production Act to compel Anthropic to permit military use of Claude. As it stands, Claude is the only AI model sanctioned for classified military systems.

A senior Pentagon official indicated that Anthropic has until 5:01 p.m. ET on Friday to comply with these demands.

Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, along with those from other major tech firms, has already been approved for classified use, providing the military with alternatives to Claude, according to the official.

“The only reason we’re still in talks is because we really need them right now,” said a Pentagon official regarding Anthropic. “The challenge for them is that they actually have a very strong product,” he added in a conversation with Axios before the meeting.

Amodei emphasized that Anthropic does not endorse using its technology for mass surveillance of Americans or for autonomous weaponry, insisting that the company’s principles have not interfered with military operations.

A senior Pentagon source described the discussions as “not at all warm and vague,” while another highlighted that the meeting was respectful and calm, with no raised voices.

Hegseth acknowledged the quality of Anthropic’s products and expressed a desire to continue collaborating with the company, according to sources present.

An Anthropic spokesperson stated that the company is committed to discussing their usage policy in good faith to support national security objectives while remaining within the bounds of responsible AI use.

During the conversation, Amodei apparently thanked the Secretary for his ongoing efforts in this matter.

This meeting marks a point of escalating tension between the Pentagon and Anthropic, stemming partly from frustrations over the Trump administration’s focus on safety in AI usage and development. The conflict has been exacerbated since the Claude AI was deployed during a mission to apprehend Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro in January.

Hegseth also referenced claims, reported by Axios earlier this month, that Anthropic had raised concerns with contractor Palantir regarding the deployment of its technology in the Maduro operation.

Amodei refuted any allegations that he or his team communicated with Palantir or the Department of Defense outside regular operational discussions.

In November, reports indicated that Anthropic’s connections to the Effective Altruism movement and notable Democratic donors, such as Reid Hoffman, were drawing scrutiny from the Trump administration.