OpenAI reaches AI agreement with Defense Dept. after Anthropic clash

The AI company will provide its technologies for classified Pentagon systems.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:47am by Ben Kaplan

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OpenAI, the company behind the popular ChatGPT AI assistant, has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide its artificial intelligence technologies for classified Pentagon systems. This comes just hours after President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to avoid using AI models from Anthropic, a rival AI company, over national security concerns.

Why it matters

This deal solidifies OpenAI's position as a leading provider of AI technologies to the U.S. government, particularly for sensitive national security applications. It also highlights the growing competition and tensions between major AI companies as they vie for lucrative government contracts.

The details

Under the new agreement, OpenAI will integrate its AI models and technologies into classified DoD systems. The company stated that "in all of our interactions, the DoD displayed a deep respect for safety and a desire to partner to achieve the best possible outcome." This comes after the Trump administration ordered federal agencies to avoid using AI models from Anthropic, citing national security risks.

  • The agreement was reached on February 28, 2026.
  • Just hours before the OpenAI deal, President Trump ordered federal agencies to avoid using AI models from Anthropic.

The players

OpenAI

An artificial intelligence research company that created the popular ChatGPT AI assistant.

U.S. Department of Defense

The federal agency responsible for national defense and security.

Anthropic

A rival AI company that was the subject of a national security order from President Trump.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who ordered federal agencies to avoid using AI models from Anthropic.

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What they’re saying

“In all of our interactions, the DoD displayed a deep respect for safety and a desire to partner to achieve the best possible outcome.”

— OpenAI

What’s next

The details of the agreement between OpenAI and the Department of Defense, including the specific AI technologies that will be integrated into classified systems, have not been publicly disclosed.

The takeaway

This deal solidifies OpenAI's position as a leading provider of AI technologies to the U.S. government, particularly for sensitive national security applications, and highlights the growing competition and tensions between major AI companies as they vie for lucrative government contracts.