Hegseth Gives Anthropic Until Friday to Back Down on AI Safeguards
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given AI firm Anthropic until Friday to drop safeguards on its AI tools or face potential Pentagon action, sources say.
25 February 2026 | by Faiz.tv News Desk
Focus Keyphrase: Hegseth gives Anthropic until Friday to back down on AI safeguards
WASHINGTON: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given artificial intelligence company Anthropic until Friday to withdraw certain AI safeguards on products used by the military, according to multiple reports. The deadline highlights growing tensions between national security priorities and ethical AI development.
Hegseth’s Ultimatum
Hegseth issued the ultimatum during a meeting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. He warned that failure to agree could lead to significant consequences, including cutting ties or invoking federal powers to compel compliance.
Why the Safeguards Matter
Anthropic has built its reputation on safety‑first AI. The company has resisted loosening restrictions that would allow its Claude model — already used in some classified military settings — to be used for broader Pentagon needs, including applications involving extensive military use without ethical guardrails.
Defence sources say the Pentagon wants AI tools for “all lawful purposes.” Without fuller access, officials claim the military’s ability to deploy advanced AI in key operations could be limited.
Pentagon’s Options and Risks
- Cutting Pentagon contracts with Anthropic and declaring the company a “supply chain risk.”
- Invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) to compel compliance under national security rules.
- Seeking alternative AI providers that accept broader use terms.
These options carry risks. Declaring Anthropic a supply chain risk could affect other government contracts, especially as Claude is already integrated into sensitive military systems.
Industry and Policy Debate
The standoff reflects a wider debate over AI safety versus military utility. Many AI developers maintain protocols to prevent misuse, particularly for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. Analysts warn that pushing firms to remove safeguards may have legal and ethical implications.
Defence agencies argue they need adaptable AI tools for modern operations and national security challenges.
Next Steps
Anthropic has not publicly responded to the deadline. The company has previously signaled willingness to adjust policies for defence use but remains firm on key ethical limits. Observers will watch whether the firm meets the deadline or if negotiations extend beyond Friday.
Conclusion
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a firm deadline for Anthropic to back down on AI safeguards or face possible Pentagon action. The dispute underscores tensions between ethical AI limits and national security objectives as advanced AI becomes central to military operations.
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