Anthropic Launches Employee-Funded PAC Amid Pentagon Dispute

Artificial intelligence firm Anthropic has launched a corporate political action committee (PAC) as debates over AI policy intensify in Washington. The company filed a statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission on Friday to establish 'AnthroPAC,' an employee-funded PAC that will collect voluntary contributions from staff. AnthroPAC is structured as a 'separate segregated fund' and registered as a lobbyist-affiliated PAC, with Anthropic listed as the 'connected organization.' The PAC is expected to support candidates from both major parties, but some figures have raised questions about whether the effort will maintain political balance. This development comes amid escalating tensions between Anthropic and the Pentagon over the use of its AI systems. In February, the Defense Department designated Anthropic a supply chain risk after the company opposed the use of its technology in fully autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. Anthropic has challenged that designation in court, arguing it reflects retaliation against a protected viewpoint. A federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the measure and paused broader restrictions tied to the dispute. Anthropic has already been active in political funding this cycle, including a $20 million contribution to Public First Action, a group focused on advancing AI safety efforts. Meanwhile, Google is preparing to support a multibillion-dollar data center project in Texas leased to Anthropic, as demand for AI infrastructure accelerates. The project, operated by Nexus Data Centers, could exceed $5 billion in its initial phase, with Google expected to provide construction loans while banks compete to arrange additional financing.