OpenAI Secures Pentagon AI Contract Shortly After Trump Administration Imposes Restrictions Competing with Anthropic
OpenAI has entered into an agreement with the Pentagon for the use of AI in classified military systems, while Trump has imposed a ban on Anthropic due to supply chain concerns.
On Friday evening, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that the company has entered into an agreement with the Pentagon to implement its AI technologies in classified military systems. The agreement is said to include safeguards akin to those requested by Anthropic, such as limitations on domestic mass surveillance and the assurance of human accountability in the use of force.
In a statement on X, Altman remarked, “Two of our most crucial safety principles are the prohibitions on domestic mass surveillance and the accountability for the use of force, including that of autonomous weapon systems.” The DoW concurs with these principles, incorporates them into law and policy, and we implement them in our agreement.
Altman stated that OpenAI would deploy engineers to the Pentagon to ensure the safe operation of its models. “We are requesting that the DoW extend these same terms to all AI companies, as we believe they should be universally accepted.” He stated, “We have conveyed our firm wish to shift away from legal and governmental actions and move toward reasonable agreements.”
The agreement was reached shortly after President Donald Trump instructed all federal agencies to cease the use of Anthropic’s AI tools, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth identifying the company as a “supply chain risk” due to its refusal to comply with restrictions requested by the Pentagon. Anthropic plans to file a legal challenge against the designation, typically assigned to companies with foreign adversaries.
Anthropic’s terms and OpenAI’s deal are still unclear. CNN has sought clarifications from both the Pentagon and OpenAI.
Hegseth shared Altman’s announcement on X, while Under Secretary Emil Michael pointed out the value of dependable partnerships in military AI. “In matters of life and death for our warfighters, having a dependable and consistent partner that acts in good faith is crucial as we transition into the AI Age,” he stated.
