Full Breakdown
President Trump Says Anthropic No Longer a U.S. National Security Threat
6/20/2026, 12:29:27 PM
Trump Reverses View on Anthropic
On June 19 2026, President Donald Trump told Axios he no longer considers the artificial-intelligence startup Anthropic a national-security threat, after a week-long order that forced Anthropic to block foreign nationals from accessing its most advanced models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5.
Background
In early June, the U.S. Department of Commerce ordered Anthropic, led by CEO Dario Amodei, to obtain U.S. approval before any foreign user could access its models Fable 5 and Mythos 5. The order followed a March Pentagon declaration that Anthropic posed a supply-chain risk. Anthropic disabled the models for all users to comply.
Timeline
March 2024 – Pentagon labels Anthropic a supply-chain risk.
Early June 2024 – Commerce order blocks foreign-national access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5.
June 19 2024 – Trump’s Axios interview; G7 summit meeting with tech CEOs.
Data & Statistics
Anthropic’s valuation is reported as over $900 billion in some sources and nearly $1 trillion in others. The disputed models are Fable 5 and Mythos 5. The firm filed for an IPO weeks earlier.
Why It Matters
Export controls show a willingness to limit foreign access to AI, while Trump’s uncertain stance on the Defense Production Act raises questions about government leverage. The outcome could affect U.S. leadership in a technology sector viewed as strategically vital.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump said Anthropic “behaved responsibly” after Commerce order and noted could invoke DPA but was unsure if needed. An Anthropic spokesperson thanked administration for partnership, pledged to protect infrastructure, AI leadership. Commerce Department called directive safeguard against “jailbreak” vulnerabilities. Pentagon reaffirmed supply-chain risk and plans to replace Anthropic models in defense systems.
Criticism & Opposition
Pentagon officials warned Anthropic’s technology could create a supply-chain liability, prompting a 180-day removal timeline. Critics call the export-control order the most significant intrusion into a private AI startup, risking innovation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Anthropic’s valuation—one cites over $900 billion, another nearly $1 trillion. No data show how many foreign users were blocked or the criteria for “jailbreak” risk.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, not now, but a week ago, maybe.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “I have the power to use a lot of things," Trump said of the DPA.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “He responded to us very quickly, because you know it’s tremendous liability,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “ Asked to comment on Trump's interview, an Anthropic spokesperson said: "We are grateful to the administration for their ongoing partnership in working to get this matter resolved as quickly as possible.” — Anthropic spokesperson
What’s Next
Technical staff will meet White House officials this week to discuss compliance. The administration keeps the DPA option open, while G7 leaders continue AI governance talks.
