US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly considering
a drastic measure that could impact the technology sector: severing business
ties with the artificial intelligence firm Anthropic and classifying it as a
“supply chain risk” to the US military.
According to information published by Axios, a senior
Pentagon official indicated that the decision is “on the verge” of being
finalized. If implemented, it would mean that any company interested in
contracting with or maintaining business relationships with the Department of
Defense would have to cease all ties with Anthropic as a mandatory condition.
The measure would address strategic concerns related to
technological security and the integrity of systems used by the Armed Forces.
In highly sensitive contexts—such as defense, intelligence, and
cybersecurity—the evaluation of technology providers has become a central
element of national security policy.
Although the specific reasons supporting this potential
designation have not been publicly detailed, labeling a company as a supply
chain risk is usually linked to concerns about data protection, technological
dependence, or potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
If the termination is confirmed, the impact could extend
beyond the military sphere, given that many technology companies maintain
cross-contracts with both the public and private sectors. The decision would
set a significant precedent in the relationship between the U.S. government and
companies dedicated to the development of artificial intelligence.