Pentagon Considers Cutting Ties with Anthropic Over AI Use in Venezuela Operation

Concerns raised over Anthropic's AI model being used in a covert military operation without full oversight

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Pentagon's relationship with artificial intelligence firm Anthropic is facing scrutiny after revelations that Anthropic's Claude AI model was reportedly used in a covert operation to capture an unnamed individual in Venezuela. This has sparked internal debate within the Trump administration regarding the appropriate level of control and oversight when deploying AI in sensitive military operations.

Why it matters

The use of Anthropic's AI in the Venezuela operation highlights the broader challenges of integrating advanced AI technologies into national security frameworks. While the Pentagon values AI's ability to process data in real-time, concerns about control, ethical considerations, and potential unintended consequences are equally pressing.

The details

According to sources, Anthropic questioned whether its software was utilized in the capture operation, triggering 'real tension' within the Department of Defense. Anthropic currently holds a $200 million contract with the Department of Defense, secured in the previous year, and some within the Trump administration are now considering terminating this contract, fearing that Anthropic's reluctance to fully support military operations could jeopardize future missions.

  • The Pentagon partnered with Anthropic through Palantir Technologies in the summer of the previous year.
  • The Venezuela operation involving Anthropic's Claude AI model occurred recently.

The players

Anthropic

An artificial intelligence firm that develops AI models, including Claude, which was reportedly used in the Venezuela operation.

Department of Defense

The U.S. military organization that partnered with Anthropic and is now considering terminating the $200 million contract due to concerns over the use of Anthropic's AI in the Venezuela operation.

Trump administration

The current U.S. presidential administration, which is debating the appropriate level of control and oversight when deploying AI in sensitive military operations.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Pentagon and Anthropic are in discussions regarding potential adjustments to the restrictions governing the use of Claude AI in military operations.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complex challenges of integrating advanced AI technologies into national security frameworks, including the need for clear guidelines, oversight mechanisms, and a balance between innovation and ethical considerations.