Trump Administration Defends Pentagon Blacklisting of Anthropic in Court

The administration of Donald Trump has defended the Pentagon’s decision to blacklist Anthropic, arguing in a court filing that the move was lawful and rooted in national security concerns. The designation, made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 3, labeled the AI firm a “national security supply chain risk” after it refused to remove safeguards preventing its technology from being used in autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice filing, the dispute is not about free speech but about conduct tied to contract negotiations. The administration contends that Anthropic’s refusal to alter its product restrictions prompted federal agencies to terminate business relationships with the company. Officials emphasized that no restrictions were placed on the company’s ability to express its views, countering claims that the action violated First Amendment protections.

Anthropic has challenged the decision in federal court in California, calling the designation unlawful and harmful to its business. The company argues the move violates constitutional rights and proper regulatory procedures, while maintaining that AI is not yet safe for autonomous weapons use and opposing domestic surveillance on principle. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for government oversight of AI firms and their role in national security.

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