In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the US government and artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping directive ordering every federal agency to immediately cease using the company's AI tools. This decisive action comes directly on the heels of a contentious dispute between Anthropic and the Pentagon that erupted just last week.
The Pentagon Ultimatum That Triggered the Ban
The conflict reached its boiling point when the Department of Defense presented Anthropic with what amounted to an ultimatum. Military officials set a firm deadline for the creator of the Claude AI system, demanding that the company grant the Pentagon unrestricted access to its advanced artificial intelligence technology for comprehensive military applications.
According to multiple reports from government insiders, officials explicitly warned Anthropic leadership that the company would face severe consequences if it failed to comply with this request for full military utilization of its AI systems. The Pentagon's position was clear: either provide complete access or face significant repercussions from the federal government.
Trump's Truth Social Declaration
President Trump made his position unequivocally clear through a characteristically forceful post on his Truth Social platform. In his statement, the President declared that "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL NEVER ALLOW A RADICAL LEFT, WOKE COMPANY TO DICTATE HOW OUR GREAT MILITARY FIGHTS AND WINS WARS!"
Trump emphasized that such critical decisions belong exclusively to "YOUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, and the tremendous leaders I appoint to run our Military." He accused Anthropic of making what he termed a "DISASTROUS MISTAKE" by attempting to "STRONG-ARM the Department of War" and force military compliance with corporate terms of service rather than constitutional principles.
The Presidential Directive Details
The President's order mandates that "EVERY Federal Agency in the United States Government" must "IMMEDIATELY CEASE all use of Anthropic's technology." Trump asserted that "We don't need it, we don't want it, and will not do business with them again!"
However, recognizing the practical challenges of immediate discontinuation, the directive includes a six-month phase-out period for agencies currently utilizing Anthropic products at various operational levels. This specifically includes the Department of War, which has been implementing Anthropic's AI tools in certain capacities.
Trump issued a stern warning to the company, stating: "Anthropic better get their act together, and be helpful during this phase out period, or I will use the Full Power of the Presidency to make them comply, with major civil and criminal consequences to follow."
Military Leadership Response
United States Secretary of War Pete Hegesth publicly expressed gratitude for President Trump's decision, posting on the X platform using what he described as his "favorite words." His message simply stated: "Thank you for your attention to this matter," while tagging the official accounts of both Anthropic and company leader Dario Amodei.
Broader Implications and National Security Concerns
In his comprehensive statement, President Trump framed the conflict as a fundamental matter of national sovereignty and security. He argued that Anthropic's "selfishness is putting AMERICAN LIVES at risk, our Troops in danger, and our National Security in JEOPARDY."
The President concluded with a definitive assertion of governmental authority over corporate influence: "WE will decide the fate of our Country — NOT some out-of-control, Radical Left AI company run by people who have no idea what the real World is all about." He signed off with his signature campaign slogan: "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
This unprecedented federal ban on a major AI company's technology represents one of the most significant confrontations between the US government and the artificial intelligence industry to date. The six-month transition period will now force numerous federal agencies to identify and implement alternative AI solutions while navigating the complex process of disentangling from Anthropic's systems.
