OpenAI has struck an agreement with the United States Department of Defense to deploy its artificial intelligence models on classified military networks, just hours after the White House directed federal agencies to halt the use of technology from rival firm Anthropic.
In a late Friday post on X, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed the deal, stating that the company’s models would be made available within the Pentagon’s classified systems. He added that the department demonstrated “deep respect for safety” and a commitment to operating within OpenAI’s established safeguards.
The development followed a turbulent week in the AI industry. Earlier that day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth designated Anthropic as a “Supply-Chain Risk to National Security,” a classification typically reserved for foreign adversaries. The move requires defense contractors to certify that they are not using Anthropic’s AI models.
Donald Trump also ordered all US federal agencies to immediately suspend the use of technology from Anthropic, granting a six-month transition period for agencies currently dependent on its systems.
Anthropic–Pentagon talks collapse over AI use limits
Anthropic had previously become the first AI lab to deploy models within the Pentagon’s classified environment under a $200 million contract signed in July. However, negotiations ultimately broke down after the company sought firm assurances that its technology would not be used for autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance. The United States Department of Defense maintained that the tools must remain available for all lawful military applications.
In a public statement, Anthropic said it was “deeply saddened” by the national security designation and plans to challenge the decision in court. The company cautioned that the move could establish a precedent shaping how US technology firms negotiate with government agencies, particularly as political scrutiny of AI partnerships intensifies.
Meanwhile, Sam Altman stated that OpenAI enforces comparable restrictions, which were incorporated into its new agreement. He said the company bars domestic mass surveillance and requires human accountability in decisions involving the use of force, including automated weapons systems.
OpenAI faces backlash after deal
The agreement also drew criticism online. “I just canceled ChatGPT and bought Claude Pro Max,” wrote Christopher Hale on X. “One stands up for the God-given rights of the American people. The other folds to tyrants,” he added.
“2019 OpenAI: we will never help build weapons or surveillance tools. 2026 OpenAI: department of War, hold my classified cloud instance. Integrity arc go brrrrrrr,” one crypto user wrote.
