Judge calls Pentagon's moves against AI firm Anthropic "troubling"

A federal judge on Tuesday expressed concern about the Pentagon's efforts to remove Anthropic's AI systems from classified government networks, questioning a Justice Department lawyer about the agency's actions during a court proceeding. The exchange suggests judicial skepticism toward the Pentagon's approach to the AI firm, which has become a focal point in ongoing debates over national security, artificial intelligence oversight, and government vendor relationships. The judge's characterization of the Pentagon's moves as "troubling" indicates potential legal or procedural problems with how the Defense Department has handled the matter. Anthropic, one of the leading AI companies competing for government contracts, faces pressure as federal agencies grapple with integrating commercial AI technology while protecting classified information and addressing security concerns.