Acquisition
Microsoft takes Anthropic's side in DOD fight, warns it sets a new precedent
In a court briefing, Microsoft argues the Defense Department is using a national security policy designed for foreign adversaries against a U.S. company over a contract dispute.
Cybersecurity
CISA launches investigation into Stryker cyberattack
The hack arguably represents the most significant cyber incident linked to the recent Iran war.
Acquisition
INDOPACOM was all in on Anthropic. Now it’s working to adjust
The administration’s government-wide ban on the company’s AI tools has forced the command to work faster to be “model-neutral.”
People
DOJ clears the way for government to hire technologists still connected to their private sector employers
Ethics experts and public sector lawyers told Nextgov/FCW that they are skeptical about the arrangement of private sector technologists joining the government on leaves of absence while retaining their deferred compensation packages.
Acquisition
State offloads Claude as underpinning model in flagship StateChat
The agency moved its chatbot to operate on OpenAI’s GPT 4.1, internal document shows.
Acquisition
Anthropic sues over a dozen federal agencies and government leaders
The company asserts that the administration’s actions to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk and order its removal from all federal agencies are retaliatory and not based on risk to national security.
Acquisition
Private sector, former military leaders urge Congress intervene in Pentagon-Anthropic dispute
Over 30 former military officers and individuals working in tech sent a letter to congressional leadership expressing concern over the Pentagon-Anthropic dispute and asking for lawmakers to take action to reign in executive power and set AI guardrails.
Artificial Intelligence
House amendment responding to Pentagon-Anthropic conflict fails committee vote
Lawmakers split over an amendment to the Defense Production Act from Rep. Sam Liccardo, D-Calif., that would have prohibited the government from blacklisting firms opposed to their tech being used in certain situations.
Artificial Intelligence
7 tech companies commit to protect consumers from rising electricity prices
President Donald Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge was announced during his State of the Union address and is intended to alleviate the burden of AI-related infrastructure costs.
Acquisition
Agencies begin to shed Anthropic contracts following Trump’s directive
Officials from the departments of Treasury, State and Health and Human Services confirmed they would be acting to comply with the White House mandate.
Defense
Strikes on Iran will test US cyber strategy abroad, and defenses at home
The federal government’s cyber defense agency is short-staffed, and Tehran is known for its retaliatory cyberattacks.
Breaking News
Defense
Trump directs government to ‘immediately cease’ using Anthropic technology
Ban follows AI firm’s refusal to enable mass surveillance, autonomous weapons.
Emerging Tech
It would take the Pentagon months to replace Anthropic’s AI tools: sources
AI maker digs in with Thursday statement rejecting DOD pleas for unfettered use.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump unveils Big Tech pledge to offset rising data center energy costs
President Donald Trump’s national address touched on the rising energy costs incurred by increasing AI use, in addition to reinforcing his administration’s imperative to tackle fraud in government programs.
Artificial Intelligence
The Pentagon says it’s getting its AI providers on ‘the same baseline’
Military is still abiding by ethics principles, according to DOD research head.
Digital Government
Senators demand to know the IRS’ path forward following the end of Direct File
The IRS ended the online, direct-to-government filing program last fall and is doubling down on the free tax filing options it offers through tax prep companies in a partnership called Free File.
Digital Government
Trump’s nutrition website directs users to Elon Musk’s Grok
The inclusion of Elon Musk’s chatbot in the government website follows backlash over the chatbot creating millions of sexualized images of women and children.
Acquisition
CIA announces new acquisition framework to speed tech adoption
DARPA alum Efstathia Fragogiannis joined the agency as its new procurement chief in November and will be spearheading the effort, according to a CIA official.
Cybersecurity
Senator says AT&T and Verizon blocked release of Salt Typhoon security reports
“AT&T and Verizon apparently intervened” to block a major cyber intelligence firm from sending documentation about the telecom hackers, Sen. Maria Cantwell wrote in a letter.
Cybersecurity