Trump Directs Entire Federal Government To Drop Anthropic After Standoff With Pentagon

BreakingBusinessTrump Directs Entire Federal Government To Drop Anthropic After Standoff With PentagonByAntonio Pequeño IV,Forbes Staff. Pequeño is a breaking news reporter who covers tech and more.Follow AuthorFeb 27, 2026, 04:14pm ESTFeb 27, 2026, 04:31pm ESTTopline President Donald Trump said Friday he is directing all federal agencies to stop using technology from artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, blasting the company as “woke” after it declined to give the Pentagon unrestricted access to its AI models Thursday.Trump accused Anthropic of strong-arming the government. Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty ImagesKey FactsTrump said in a Truth Social post, the U.S. will “NEVER ALLOW A RADICAL LEFT, WOKE COMPANY TO DICTATE HOW OUR GREAT MILITARY FIGHTS AND WINS WARS,” accusing Anthropic of strong-arming the Department of Defense.The president said he is directing the entire federal government to immediately cease the use of Anthropic, adding, “We don’t need it, we don’t want it, and will not do business with them again!”Anthropic will be phased out across a six month period, Trump added, threatening the AI firm with “major and civil and criminal consequences” if it is not cooperative during the transition. Anthropic turned down a request from the Pentagon asking for unrestricted access to its AI models, saying in a Thursday statement it would “work to enable a smooth transition to another provider” if the Department of Defense moves on from it.The AI firm took issue with the department’s request to use its technology for mass surveillance and fully autonomous weapons, saying, “we cannot in good conscience accede to their request.”The Pentagon has given Anthropic a 5:01 p.m. EST deadline to let the military use its AI models or risk losing its government contract, according to CBS News.Forbes has reached out to Anthropic for comment.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video