A growing confrontation between the United States Department of Defense and Anthropic is highlighting tensions between AI safety principles and military operational demands.

Claude, Anthropic’s AI model, is reportedly embedded within Pentagon systems via Palantir Technologies. Reports suggest it may have been used in intelligence operations involving Nicolás Maduro, though specifics remain undisclosed.

Anthropic’s leadership, including CEO Dario Amodei, has emphasized strict safety guardrails preventing certain military applications. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly warned the company to lift restrictions or face consequences.

Potential measures include invoking the Defense Production Act or designating Anthropic as a supply chain risk, a classification typically reserved for foreign adversaries.

The case represents a critical moment in defining the balance between corporate AI governance and national defense authority.