The Trump administration has ordered the global restriction of Anthropic’s latest AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, limiting access exclusively to US persons. Citing national security risks, the directive was implemented on June 13, 2026. Anthropic complied immediately, characterizing the order as a misunderstanding while expressing hope for a swift resolution.
This action marks the sharpest escalation in a growing feud between the company and federal agencies. The conflict intensified in February 2026 when President Trump directed federal agencies to cease using Anthropic’s technology. Subsequently, the Pentagon designated the firm a “supply chain risk,” effectively warning contractors against engaging with the company.
The root of the dispute lies in Anthropic’s refusal to grant the military unrestricted access to its AI capabilities. CEO Dario Amodei cited the company’s strict AI safety policies, particularly regarding autonomous weapons and ethical safeguards, as the justification for this stance. In March 2026, Anthropic filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense, arguing that the blacklisting was legally questionable and detrimental to US AI ambitions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump have publicly criticized Anthropic, claiming the company’s safety-first approach jeopardizes national security. Meanwhile, rivals like OpenAI have moved quickly to secure Pentagon contracts previously denied to Anthropic.
International users and businesses integrating these models are now collateral damage in a domestic policy dispute. While Amodei maintains that responsible AI development and national security are compatible, the administration views the company’s caution as obstruction. This global shutdown highlights the increasing intersection of tech ethics and geopolitical strategy.