Anthropic CEO Rejects Claims of Company Being ‘Woke’

Anthropic, the AI startup rapidly gaining prominence in the sector, finds itself navigating a complex interplay of technological advancement, regulatory landscapes, and political currents. CEO Dario Amodei addressed what he characterized as “inaccurate claims” regarding the company’s policy positions, a move that comes after repeated criticisms from venture capitalist David Sacks, who now serves as President Donald Trump’s AI and crypto advisor.

Amodei emphasized the alignment between Anthropic’s objectives and the Trump administration’s vision for AI, particularly in crucial areas of policy. He stated the company’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders “serious about getting this right,” underscoring Anthropic’s desire to contribute to a framework that ensures AI benefits the American public and secures the nation’s leadership in AI development.

Founded in 2021 by former OpenAI executives, including Amodei, Anthropic has quickly risen to become a key player in the AI boom. Its valuation has skyrocketed to $183 billion in just four years, reflecting the intense investor interest in the company’s approach to AI safety and its commitment to responsible innovation. Unlike some of its competitors that prioritize rapid scaling, Anthropic has focused on “Constitutional AI,” a methodology designed to align AI behavior with human values and ethical principles.

The recent debate ignited following an essay penned by Anthropic co-founder and head of policy, Jack Clark, titled “Technological Optimism and Appropriate Fear.” The essay explored the balance between embracing the potential of AI and addressing its inherent risks, sparking discussion and differing perspectives online. This discussion became a point of contention with Sacks, who criticized the essay and accused Anthropic of employing “a sophisticated regulatory capture strategy based on fear-mongering.” He further alleged that the company had a hand in fueling state-level regulatory initiatives perceived as detrimental to the startup ecosystem.

The debate also centered around Anthropic’s stance on specific legislative proposals. The company opposed an amendment to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that sought a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI laws, a move that drew further scrutiny. Concurrently, Anthropic supported a California bill mandating large AI developers to disclose their model safety protocols, subject to exemptions for companies with annual gross revenue below $500 million.

Reid Hoffman, the billionaire tech investor and LinkedIn co-founder, publicly defended Anthropic, branding the startup “one of the good guys.” Hoffman’s early investment in OpenAI, Anthropic’s prominent rival, adds layers to the discussion, highlighting the complex web of relationships and competing visions within the AI landscape. Hoffman’s venture capital firm, Greylock, has also invested in Anthropic.

Sacks swiftly engaged with Hoffman’s post, leading to a series of exchanges where he reiterated his concerns about Anthropic’s “agenda to backdoor Woke AI and other AI regulations through Blue states like California.” This statement references the ongoing debate on whether AI should be developed with explicit attention to social issues like diversity or inclusion.

Amodei sought to clarify Anthropic’s position, reaffirming the company’s preference for a unified federal approach over a fragmented landscape of state laws. He emphasized Anthropic’s commitment to engaging constructively with policymakers, offering alternative proposals when disagreements arise. He positioned Anthropic as a public benefit corporation with a mission to ensure AI benefits all of humanity while maintaining America’s leadership in the field. This dual mandate reflects the inherent tension between commercial ambitions and ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Amodei concluded by expressing confidence that Anthropic shares the same goals as the Trump administration, Congress, and the general public: the responsible development and deployment of AI for the betterment of society.