(DDM) – The Trump administration has directed federal agencies and military contractors to stop doing business with the artificial-intelligence company Anthropic, citing national security concerns.
The move follows the company’s refusal to grant the Pentagon unrestricted access to its AI technology, according to statements from former President Donald Trump.
Trump announced on Truth Social that government agencies, including the Department of Defense, have six months to phase out the use of Anthropic’s products.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later reinforced the action on X, describing Anthropic as a “supply chain risk.”
Such a designation is typically reserved for companies considered extensions of foreign adversaries or potential threats to national security.
Anthropic, a US-based AI startup, is known for developing advanced machine-learning models intended for applications across multiple sectors, including business and defense.
The company has publicly positioned itself as an independent research-focused AI firm prioritizing safety and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
The Trump administration’s order underscores growing concern about the control, transparency, and security of emerging AI technologies.
Federal agencies and military contractors often rely on private AI products to enhance cybersecurity, defense analysis, and operational efficiency.
By restricting Anthropic, the administration is signaling that access limitations or compliance concerns may constitute unacceptable risks to sensitive government operations.
The six-month transition period allows agencies to identify alternative vendors or develop internal capabilities to replace Anthropic’s offerings.
Experts say the move highlights tensions between innovation in AI and national security requirements.
While AI companies pursue commercial and research goals, government contracts demand strict adherence to data access, monitoring, and security protocols.
Supply chain risk designations carry significant implications, potentially limiting a company’s revenue, partnerships, and reputation.
Other defense contractors will likely need to verify that their AI products meet stringent oversight standards to avoid similar restrictions.
The announcement adds to an ongoing debate about AI regulation, ethical deployment, and the balance between technological advancement and national defense priorities.
It also raises questions about how private AI firms negotiate with government agencies when their proprietary technology is in high demand.
Policy analysts note that similar actions could set precedents for evaluating other AI startups with dual-use capabilities.
Anthropic has not publicly responded in detail to the administration’s order at the time of reporting.
The decision is expected to influence defense procurement strategies, supply chain evaluations, and the prioritization of AI partnerships moving forward.
For the US military, the order reflects an increasing emphasis on safeguarding critical technologies against misuse, even when developed domestically.
As AI becomes more central to defense and security, agencies are under pressure to ensure that partners meet transparency and access standards.
The action illustrates how government policy can intersect directly with private sector innovation, sometimes creating friction in fast-moving technology markets.
Observers suggest the move could spur broader discussions on oversight, accountability, and risk management for AI in national security contexts.
Federal agencies now face a tight timeline to replace Anthropic’s tools while maintaining operational continuity.
The broader implications of the restriction may shape AI policy debates and contractor compliance standards for years to come.
