Anthropic to Donate $20 Million to US Political Group Backing AI Regulation
The Guardian
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- Date Published
- 12 Feb 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Unknown
- Created
- 12 Feb 2026, 08:00 pm
Description
Move puts AI firm in opposition to ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which has advocated for less stringent AI regulations
Summary
Anthropic, an AI company, is set to donate $20 million to support US political candidates who favor regulation of the AI industry. This move positions Anthropic against OpenAI, known for advocating less stringent regulations. By supporting Public First Action, Anthropic aligns against federal efforts aiming to eliminate state-level AI regulations, highlighting the ongoing political battle over AI governance. This contribution is particularly significant amidst increasing financial involvement of AI companies in the legislative sphere, aiming to influence AI policy outcomes. Although the article does not directly discuss catastrophic AI risks, it underscores the debate on regulatory frameworks crucial for managing long-term AI safety.
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Dario Amodei, co-founder and chief executive officer of Anthropic, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on 20 January 2026. Photograph: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenDario Amodei, co-founder and chief executive officer of Anthropic, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on 20 January 2026. Photograph: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAnthropic to donate $20m to US political group backing AI regulationMove puts AI firm in opposition to ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which has advocated for less stringent AI regulationsAnthropic will spend $20m to back US political candidates who support regulating the AI industry, according to a company statement released on Thursday. Anthropic’s donation puts it in opposition to the ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which has advocated for less stringent regulation of AI.The company is donating to Public First Action, a political group that opposes federal efforts to quash state AI regulations like a December executive order issued by Donald Trump. One of the candidates that the group is backing is Republican Marsha Blackburn, who is running for governor in Tennessee and who opposed an effort in Congress to bar states from passing AI laws.Cowboys, lassos, and nudity: AI startups turn to stunts for attention in a crowded marketRead more“The companies building AI have a responsibility to help ensure the technology serves the public good, not just their own interests,” the company said in a statement.The AI industry is poised to play a major financial role in the US midterm elections this year, as its leaders seek to influence regulation of the technology. Several states have passed laws or are considering bills to regulate the industry.Two former members of Congress launched Public First Action late last year to counter a group called Leading the Future, which generally opposes strict AI regulations. Leading the Future is backed by AI industry leaders such as OpenAI’s president, Greg Brockman, and the venture capitalist Marc Andreessen. Andreessen’s firm, A16Z, is an investor in OpenAI.Leading the Future has raised $125m since its founding in August 2025, according to a spokesperson for the organization.Explore more on these topicsTechnologyAI (artificial intelligence)US politicsOpenAInewsShareReuse this content