The White House is crafting new guidance that would allow federal agencies to bypass Anthropic's supply chain risk designation and resume using the AI company's models, including its most advanced system called Mythos, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The move signals the Trump administration's willingness to override security concerns that previously blocked agencies from working with the San Francisco-based AI firm. Anthropic had been flagged for supply chain risks, effectively cutting off government access to its Claude AI assistant and other products.
The new guidance would create a pathway for agencies to "get around" the risk designation rather than removing it entirely. This approach allows the administration to maintain the appearance of security vigilance while restoring access to AI capabilities that some officials consider essential for maintaining America's technological edge.
Mythos represents Anthropic's most powerful AI model to date, potentially offering capabilities that surpass existing government AI tools. The system's advanced reasoning and analysis features could prove valuable for national security applications, intelligence analysis, and policy research across federal agencies.
The supply chain risk designation typically applies to companies with foreign ownership stakes, manufacturing dependencies, or other factors that could compromise sensitive government data. Anthropic has received funding from Google and Amazon, raising questions about data flows and corporate influence over AI development.
Federal agencies have increasingly relied on AI tools for everything from document analysis to cybersecurity monitoring. The Anthropic ban forced many departments to seek alternative providers or delay AI integration projects, potentially putting American capabilities behind international competitors.
The timing coincides with broader Trump administration efforts to accelerate AI adoption across government while maintaining security guardrails. Officials have emphasized the need to balance innovation with protection of classified information and critical infrastructure.
Sources declined to specify which agencies would gain access under the new guidance or what security measures would accompany the policy change. The White House has not publicly confirmed the discussions or provided a timeline for implementation.
The decision to work around rather than remove the risk designation suggests ongoing concerns about Anthropic's supply chain relationships. This middle-ground approach allows agencies to access needed AI capabilities while preserving the administration's tough stance on technology security.
Industry observers will watch whether similar workarounds emerge for other AI companies facing federal restrictions, potentially reshaping how the government balances security concerns against technological competitiveness in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector.
