Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Apple are publicly backing Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company embroiled in a dispute with the Pentagon after being labeled a supply chain risk. The unusual present of support from the tech giants comes as the Defense Department moves to remove Anthropic’s AI technology from key military systems.
The Pentagon’s designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk, formalized on March 6th, followed a contract dispute centered on limitations to how the company’s AI models could be used by the U.S. Military. Anthropic had sought to prohibit the utilize of its tools for mass surveillance of Americans and in “fully autonomous weapons,” according to reports. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision, described by some as a power play, effectively seeks to sever ties with the company.
An internal Pentagon memo, dated March 6th and signed by Defense Department Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies, directs senior military leaders to remove Anthropic’s AI products from all systems and networks within 180 days. The memo, obtained by CBS News, alleges that Anthropic’s AI “presents an unacceptable supply chain risk” and warns of potential vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit, posing “catastrophic risks to the warfighter.” Davies indicated that exemptions would only be considered for “mission-critical activities” where no alternative exists, requiring a comprehensive risk mitigation plan.
Microsoft’s court filing, alongside others, urges a judge to halt the Pentagon’s actions. The company warned that the government’s behavior could have “broad negative ramifications for the entire technology sector.” Microsoft specifically stated its agreement with Anthropic that AI tools “should not be used to conduct domestic mass surveillance or put the country in a position where autonomous machines could independently start a war.”
The Chamber of Progress, a tech advocacy group funded by Google, Apple, Amazon, and Nvidia, filed an amicus brief expressing concerns over the government punishing Anthropic for its public stance on AI ethics. The group emphasized its opposition to “governmental attempts to force or restrict access to speech,” citing First Amendment protections. Meta, however, is notably absent from this coalition, having left the Chamber of Progress in 2025.
OpenAI, a competitor to Anthropic, recently announced its own agreement with the Pentagon, claiming it had secured similar safety terms regarding the use of its AI technology. However, OpenAI’s contract includes a clause acknowledging that it could terminate the agreement if the government violates the agreed-upon terms, a point that has raised questions about the enforceability of such safeguards.
Anthropic has initiated a lawsuit against the Pentagon over the supply chain risk designation, potentially facing significant revenue losses as a result of the government’s actions. A status conference in the case is scheduled, but the Pentagon has not responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing dispute.
