Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei addressed recent concerns surrounding the company’s alignment with AI policies under the Trump administration, aiming to clarify what he describes as “misleading claims” about Anthropic’s stance on artificial intelligence regulation.
AI as a Force for Progress
In his statement released on Tuesday, Amodei emphasized that Anthropic’s core belief is that artificial intelligence should advance human progress rather than pose risks. He stated, “Our goal is to create genuinely useful products, communicate clearly about the associated risks and benefits, and collaborate with all serious stakeholders in the field.”
Response to Criticism from Trump Officials
Amodei’s remarks surface following a wave of criticism from prominent figures within the Trump administration, including AI advisor David Sacks and senior policy advisor Sriram Krishnan, who accused Anthropic of exploiting fears to undermine the AI industry. This backlash intensified after Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark expressed both optimism and trepidation regarding AI’s unpredictable nature.
Sacks accused Anthropic of a “sophisticated regulatory capture strategy based on fear-mongering,” indicating that its actions have instigated a regulatory frenzy harming the startup ecosystem. In defense of Anthropic, California Senator Scott Wiener criticized efforts to block state-level AI regulations without broader federal protections.
Amodei’s Position on AI Policy
Amodei asserted that navigating AI’s societal implications should prioritize policy rather than partisan politics. He reiterated that the U.S. must maintain its leadership in AI while developing technology that genuinely benefits the populace. He recounted instances of Anthropic’s collaboration with the Trump administration, including a $200 million agreement with the Department of Defense and public support for Trump’s AI Action Plan.
Despite these collaborations, Anthropic has faced criticism for diverging from the general consensus in Silicon Valley, particularly regarding a proposed 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulation, which many claim could stifle innovation and provide an advantage to China. Amodei countered these arguments, stressing that the real danger lies in enabling China’s access to advanced AI technologies while reaffirming Anthropic’s commitment to ethical practices, including restricting its services from companies under Chinese control.
Support for Responsible AI Regulation
Additionally, Anthropic has drawn scrutiny for backing California’s SB 53, which mandates public safety protocols from major AI developers but includes exemptions for smaller companies. Amodei defended the bill, arguing that startups are vital clients and that fostering a healthy ecosystem is paramount.
Highlighting Anthropic’s growth—reportedly increasing from a $1 billion to a $7 billion run-rate in nine months—Amodei stated the company is dedicated to responsible AI deployment. “Our commitment is to constructive public policy engagement,” he concluded. “We will continue to communicate truthfully and advocate for measures we believe in, as the stakes surrounding this technology are immensely significant.”
