Department of Defense Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael said Friday that Anthropic remains a blacklisted AI vendor due to supply-chain risks [1].
The distinction between the company's general models and its Mythos model highlights a complex struggle within the U.S. government to balance technological utility with national security protocols.
Speaking during an interview on CNBC’s "Squawk Box" on May 1, 2026, Michael said the status of the AI startup [1]. He said that Anthropic is still considered a supply-chain risk, but described its Mythos model as a "separate national security moment" [1].
According to Michael, the general designation as a risk means that various government departments have been given six months or more to transition away from the AI startup's models [2]. This directive aims to remove dependencies on vendors that the Pentagon deems insecure for standard operations.
However, the Mythos model is being treated differently. Michael said the model represents a distinct national security issue, suggesting it does not fall under the same supply-chain-risk ban as the company's other offerings [1], [3].
This nuanced approach comes amid reports that some agencies may still be utilizing the technology. While the Pentagon maintains its risk designation for the vendor, the separate classification for Mythos allows for a different set of security evaluations, one that prioritizes specific national security needs over general supply-chain standards [1].
Michael said that the transition period for other models remains in effect as the government seeks to secure its AI infrastructure [2].
“Anthropic is still a supply chain risk, but its Mythos model is a “separate national security moment.””
The Pentagon's decision to isolate the Mythos model from the broader Anthropic blacklist suggests that the U.S. government views certain AI capabilities as too strategically valuable to abandon, even when the providing vendor is flagged as a security risk. This creates a tiered system of AI adoption where 'national security' exceptions can override standard 'supply-chain' prohibitions.
