US Department of Justice Seeks to Remove Anthropic from All Federal Agencies Over Wartime AI Shutdown Concerns

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a document to the court on Tuesday, seeking to exclude AI company Anthropic from all federal agencies. The dispute, previously limited to the War Department's direct contract, has now expanded to the entire executive branch, citing national security concerns. The document states that Anthropic's AI technology service terms are no longer acceptable to the executive branch.

Earlier, the War Department had requested adding a clause allowing Anthropic's technology to be used for 'any legal purpose' in the contract, but Anthropic refused based on its Claude model usage policy. The DOJ accused Anthropic of showing 'hostility' during negotiations and prioritizing public image over facts. The document warns that if Anthropic believes its corporate red lines are crossed, it may shut down its technology or alter model behavior during ongoing wartime operations. Anthropic responded that it is reviewing the government's document and reaffirms its long-term commitment to using AI to protect national security. A hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday.