OpenAI clinches major military deal after Trump rejects rival Anthropic

OpenAI chief Sam Altman has confirmed a landmark deal with the US Department of Defence, securing a contract to deploy the company’s artificial intelligence models within the military’s classified networks.

The announcement, made late on Friday, follows a significant shift in government policy after President Donald Trump indicated that the administration would not be collaborating with OpenAI’s primary rival, Anthropic.

Writing on social media platform X, Altman expressed confidence in the new partnership and the professional conduct of military officials.

"Tonight, we reached an agreement with the Department of War to deploy our models in their classified network," he stated. The CEO’s use of the historical term "Department of War" underscored the gravity of the integration.

Altman further noted that the collaboration was built on mutual trust regarding the high stakes of AI implementation, adding: "In all of our interactions, the DoW displayed a deep respect for safety and a desire to partner to achieve the best possible outcome."

This strategic move places OpenAI at the heart of American national security infrastructure during a period of intense global competition for AI supremacy.

The deal suggests a tightening bond between Silicon Valley’s leading innovators and the federal government, particularly as rival firms find themselves sidelined by the current administration.

For Altman, the agreement represents a major victory in the race to provide foundational technology for the most sensitive government operations.

It remains to be seen how this deep military integration will influence the future development and safety protocols of OpenAI’s increasingly powerful models.