OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended his company’s new Pentagon agreement amid heightened scrutiny following President Trump’s directive to sever ties with rival Anthropic. This decision intensified debates surrounding military AI use, as Trump labeled Anthropic a “supply-chain risk to National Security.” Altman noted that the Department of War (DoW) aligned with OpenAI’s core principles, including restrictions on mass domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Unlike Anthropic, which focused on specific prohibitions, OpenAI was deemed more accepting in negotiating contract terms. Altman emphasized the rapid shift to classified work with the DoW but acknowledged risks associated with legal disputes over supply-chain designations. He expressed hope for resolution while stressing the need for cooperation between government and AI development firms. Altman also addressed concerns about the implications of surveillance, advocating for a balanced approach to AI that prioritizes democratization and ethical use in military applications.
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