OpenAI has taken a big step into government work by signing a deal with the US Department of Defense, bringing its artificial intelligence tools closer to national defence applications. The move comes just days after President Donald Trump publicly criticised Anthropic, a rival AI company founded by former OpenAI employees, highlighting the growing tensions in the AI industry.
The agreement with the Pentagon will allow OpenAI to provide advanced AI technology and expertise for various defence projects. While the exact financial terms are not public, sources say the deal is broad in scope and emphasizes safe, responsible use of AI in government operations. It’s one of OpenAI’s largest collaborations with the US government to date.
CEO Sam Altman has been meeting with defence officials over the past months, pushing for a model where AI development and government oversight go hand in hand. “We need collaboration to make sure AI is used safely and ethically,” Altman has said, reflecting his vision of responsible innovation. This partnership aims to put those principles into practice by embedding OpenAI’s technology in programmes with strict ethical and safety standards.
The announcement comes amid a public clash between Trump and Anthropic. Trump criticised Anthropic’s leadership and suggested it was slowing down AI progress, stirring debate about competition, safety, and the government’s role in shaping the industry. OpenAI’s Pentagon deal, by contrast, signals a move toward cooperation with authorities rather than confrontation.
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