US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he is directing government agencies to stop working with Anthropic. The Pentagon plans to declare the startup a supply-chain risk, marking a major blow following a showdown over technology guardrails. Agencies using the company's products will have a six-month phase-out period.
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday, February 28, 2026, that he is directing government agencies to cease working with Anthropic. This decision represents an extraordinary rebuke against one of the premier companies advancing US leadership in national security-critical AI. The Pentagon will declare the startup a supply-chain risk, potentially assigning it pariah status previously reserved for enemy suppliers.
Trump warned that if Anthropic does not assist with the transition, he would use "the Full Power of the Presidency to make them comply, with major civil and criminal consequences to follow." A six-month phase-out period is set for the Defense Department and other agencies using the company's products. The move comes as a major blow to Anthropic following a showdown about technology guardrails. The startup's financial backers include Alphabet's Google and Amazon.com.
Anthropic has been a key player in AI development, supporting US advantages in the field. This government action highlights new standards for AI supply in national security contexts.
(Quote) Trump: "If Anthropic does not help with the transition, I would use the Full Power of the Presidency to make them comply, with major civil and criminal consequences to follow."
