Trump Directs to Cease Use of Anthropic Technology
Catch up on the top artificial intelligence news and commentary by Wall Street analysts on publicly traded companies in the space with this daily recap compiled by The Fly.CEASE ALL USE:In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said that "leftwing nut jobs" at AI company Anthtropic have made a mistake trying to "strong-arm" the Department of War and "force them to obey their Terms of Service instead of our Constitution." The Fly notes that Anthropic said Thursday that the company "cannot in good conscience" allow the Pentagon to use its models in lawful cases without limitation. "Therefore, I am directing EVERY Federal Agency in the United States Government to IMMEDIATELY CEASE all use of Anthropic's technology," Trump posted. "We don't need it, we don't want it, and will not do business with them again! There will be a Six Month phase out period for Agencies like the Department of War who are using Anthropic's products, at various levels. Anthropic better get their act together, and be helpful during this phase out period, or I will use the Full Power of the Presidency to make them comply, with major civil and criminal consequences to follow."Meanwhile, Anthropic said in a statement, "Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shared on X that he is directing the Department of War to designate Anthropic a supply chain risk. This action follows months of negotiations that reached an impasse over two exceptions we requested to the lawful use of our AI model, Claude: the mass domestic surveillance of Americans and fully autonomous weapons. We have not yet received direct communication from the Department of War or the White House on the status of our negotiations. We have tried in good faith to reach an agreement with the Department of War, making clear that we support all lawful uses of AI for national security aside from the two narrow exceptions above. To the best of our knowledge, these exceptions have not affected a single government mission to date. We held to our exceptions for two reasons. First, we do not believe that today's frontier AI models are reliable enough to be used in fully autonomous weapons. Allowing current models to be used in this way would endanger America's warfighters and civilians. Second, we believe that mass domestic surveillance of Americans constitutes a violation of fundamental rights. Designating Anthropic as a supply chain risk would be an unprecedented action-one historically reserved for US adversaries, never before publicly applied to an American company. We are deeply saddened by these developments. As the first frontier AI company to deploy models in the US government's classified networks, Anthropic has supported American warfighters since June 2024 and has every intention of continuing to do so. We believe this designation would both be legally unsound and set a dangerous precedent for any American company that negotiates with the government. No amount of intimidation or punishment from the Department of War will change our position on mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons. We will challenge any supply chain risk designation in court."AI-LOADED SOFTWARE BUNDLE FOR 365:Microsoftis weighing releasing its long-rumored E7 enterprise productive software bundle, a more expensive AI-loaded version of Microsoft 365, Business Insider's Ashley Stewart, citing two people familiar with the plans. The bundle, which could cost up to $99 per user per month, could include Microsoft Copilot and its new AI agent hub, known as Agent 365, the author notes.PARTNERSHIPS:Nvidiaannounced multiyear strategic agreements with Lumentumto accelerate innovation in advanced optics technologies, including research and development, to enable next-generation AI infrastructure and systems designs. The nonexclusive agreement includes a Nvidia multibillion purchase commitment and future capacity access rights for advanced laser components. In addition, Nvidia is investing $2B in Lumentum to support R&D, future capacity and operations as the company builds out its U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities in a new fab.Nvidia and Coherentannounced a multi-year strategic agreement to advance the frontier of advanced optics technologies, including manufacturing capacity and research and development, to enable next-generation AI infrastructure. The nonexclusive agreement includes an Nvidia multibillion-dollar purchase commitment and future access and capacity rights for advanced laser and optical networking products. In addition, Nvidia is investing $2B in Coherent to support research and development, future capacity and operations as Coherent builds out its U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.INFERENCE COMPUTING:Nvidia intends to reveal a new processor meant to help OpenAI and other customers build more efficient tools, Berber Jin, Robbie Whelan, and Keta Clark of The Wall Street Journal. The new system will be for "inference" computing, processing that allows AI models to respond to queries, the Journal adds, citing people familiar with the plans. The new platform will incorporate a chip designed by Groq, the sources added.
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Microsoft's Long-Term Potential in Quantum Computing
- Significant Cloud Growth: In Q2 of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported a 16.7% year-over-year revenue increase to $81.3 billion, with cloud services contributing $51.5 billion, up 26%, indicating strong market demand and sustained growth potential.
- Increased Quantum Investment: Microsoft is heavily investing in its quantum computing ecosystem, introducing the Majorana 1 quantum processor aimed at enhancing computational stability and reducing errors, laying the groundwork for future commercialization.
- Data Center Expansion: The company added nearly 1 gigawatt of data center capacity in Q2 to address the challenge of Azure service demand exceeding supply, demonstrating its ongoing investment and strategic positioning in cloud infrastructure.
- Rapid AI Application Adoption: Microsoft’s Copilot user base surged over 160% year-over-year to 15 million paid users, showcasing its ability to successfully leverage AI in enterprise workflows, further driving revenue growth.
Trump Pushes Tech Firms for Self-Powered AI Data Centers
- Self-Power Commitment: Trump is set to sign an agreement with major tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Meta, mandating them to supply their own power for AI data centers, addressing rising public anger over electricity prices, although the specifics of the commitment remain unclear.
- Rising Electricity Pressure: Average residential electricity prices in the U.S. increased by 6% in 2025, contrasting Trump's promise to halve prices during his term, highlighting the government's challenges in controlling energy costs, which could impact his support in the midterm elections.
- Implementation Challenges: The decentralized nature of electric grid regulations across states poses significant hurdles for the Trump administration in converting the pledge into actionable policy, with experts indicating that new federal legislation is necessary to address power supply shortages.
- Increased Political Pressure: Trump is leveraging his political influence to pressure tech companies into absorbing the costs associated with their data centers, despite the complexities arising from state-level regulation of power generation, which may complicate policy implementation.
Nvidia Reports Strong Earnings but Stock Drops
- Strong Earnings Report: Nvidia reported an adjusted earnings per share of $1.62 and revenue of $68.1 billion for Q4 FY2026, both exceeding Wall Street's expectations of $1.53 and $66.2 billion, indicating robust market performance and profitability.
- Optimistic Guidance: The management guided for approximately $78 billion in revenue for the current quarter, significantly above the analyst consensus of $72.6 billion, showcasing the company's ongoing growth potential in the AI sector, although this does not include potential sales from China.
- Stable Gross Margins: Nvidia achieved a 75.2% adjusted gross margin in the recent quarter and expects about 75% for the full year, demonstrating strong pricing power and enhancing investor confidence in its profitability.
- Conflicted Market Reaction: Despite the strong performance, Nvidia's stock fell by 5.5% post-earnings, reflecting market uncertainty regarding future AI investment returns, particularly as major tech firms may slow capital expenditures amid rising costs and economic concerns.
Geopolitical Instability Heightens Market Nervousness
- Market Tension Intensifies: Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities highlights that ongoing geopolitical instability has heightened market nervousness, particularly against the backdrop of concerns related to the AI Ghost Trade and Anthropic's recent tools, leading to a decline in investor sentiment.
- Resilient Tech Stocks: Despite recent sell-offs, Ives sees certain technology stocks as resilient, capable of maintaining stability amid current turmoil, showcasing their defensive advantages in uncertain environments.
- Defensive Tech Companies: Ives emphasizes 10 key tech companies on the X platform, including CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, and Microsoft, which possess defensive advantages in cybersecurity and defense sectors, enabling them to withstand market volatility.
- Investor Focus: Companies like Apple and Salesforce have become focal points for investors due to their performance in turbulent markets, and are expected to attract more capital inflows to navigate future uncertainties.
Anthropic Designated Supply Chain Risk by Trump Administration
- Supply Chain Risk Declaration: The Trump administration's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk has prompted 10 startups working with the Department of Defense to cease using its Claude model and seek alternatives, potentially impacting about 80% of Anthropic's enterprise revenue.
- Defense Contract Implications: Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin are expected to remove Anthropic's technology from their supply chains, which could lead to a decline in Anthropic's market share within the defense sector and adversely affect future revenue growth.
- Legal Response Possibility: Anthropic has indicated it may appeal the supply chain risk designation through legal channels, although no formal action has been taken yet; if the designation becomes official, it would restrict the use of Claude in defense contracts, potentially affecting its business with other clients.
- Market Reaction and Alternatives: Several defense tech firms are proactively transitioning their workforce away from Claude to other models, and while Anthropic's product is regarded as excellent, the reliance on it for defense contracts is now under scrutiny, posing challenges for its continued use in sensitive environments.
Wedbush Lists 10 Tech Stocks to Own Amid Iran Conflict
- Defensive Investment Picks: Wedbush Securities highlights that despite recent market volatility, tech stocks like Apple, Microsoft, and ServiceNow are seen as defensive investments worth holding during geopolitical conflicts, showcasing their robust business models and risk resilience.
- Cybersecurity Sector Strength: CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks are viewed as having competitive advantages in the modern threat landscape, with the former offering innovative solutions through its 'best-in-class' Falcon platform, while the latter leverages AI to enhance customer value and meet rising cybersecurity demands.
- Government Contract Opportunities: Palantir is considered well-positioned for deals with the U.S. federal government, as its AI platform becomes the default builder for the Department of Defense, indicating strong demand for its services in government contracts.
- AI-Driven Long-Term Growth: Analysts believe Salesforce and ServiceNow will benefit from the AI revolution, with the former boasting over 150,000 customers and the latter viewed as a tailwind for future growth due to its critical role in enterprise infrastructure.
Microsoft's Long-Term Potential in Quantum Computing
- Significant Cloud Growth: In Q2 of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported a 16.7% year-over-year revenue increase to $81.3 billion, with cloud services contributing $51.5 billion, up 26%, indicating strong market demand and sustained growth potential.
- Increased Quantum Investment: Microsoft is heavily investing in its quantum computing ecosystem, introducing the Majorana 1 quantum processor aimed at enhancing computational stability and reducing errors, laying the groundwork for future commercialization.
- Data Center Expansion: The company added nearly 1 gigawatt of data center capacity in Q2 to address the challenge of Azure service demand exceeding supply, demonstrating its ongoing investment and strategic positioning in cloud infrastructure.
- Rapid AI Application Adoption: Microsoft’s Copilot user base surged over 160% year-over-year to 15 million paid users, showcasing its ability to successfully leverage AI in enterprise workflows, further driving revenue growth.
Trump Pushes Tech Firms for Self-Powered AI Data Centers
- Self-Power Commitment: Trump is set to sign an agreement with major tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Meta, mandating them to supply their own power for AI data centers, addressing rising public anger over electricity prices, although the specifics of the commitment remain unclear.
- Rising Electricity Pressure: Average residential electricity prices in the U.S. increased by 6% in 2025, contrasting Trump's promise to halve prices during his term, highlighting the government's challenges in controlling energy costs, which could impact his support in the midterm elections.
- Implementation Challenges: The decentralized nature of electric grid regulations across states poses significant hurdles for the Trump administration in converting the pledge into actionable policy, with experts indicating that new federal legislation is necessary to address power supply shortages.
- Increased Political Pressure: Trump is leveraging his political influence to pressure tech companies into absorbing the costs associated with their data centers, despite the complexities arising from state-level regulation of power generation, which may complicate policy implementation.
Nvidia Reports Strong Earnings but Stock Drops
- Strong Earnings Report: Nvidia reported an adjusted earnings per share of $1.62 and revenue of $68.1 billion for Q4 FY2026, both exceeding Wall Street's expectations of $1.53 and $66.2 billion, indicating robust market performance and profitability.
- Optimistic Guidance: The management guided for approximately $78 billion in revenue for the current quarter, significantly above the analyst consensus of $72.6 billion, showcasing the company's ongoing growth potential in the AI sector, although this does not include potential sales from China.
- Stable Gross Margins: Nvidia achieved a 75.2% adjusted gross margin in the recent quarter and expects about 75% for the full year, demonstrating strong pricing power and enhancing investor confidence in its profitability.
- Conflicted Market Reaction: Despite the strong performance, Nvidia's stock fell by 5.5% post-earnings, reflecting market uncertainty regarding future AI investment returns, particularly as major tech firms may slow capital expenditures amid rising costs and economic concerns.
Geopolitical Instability Heightens Market Nervousness
- Market Tension Intensifies: Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities highlights that ongoing geopolitical instability has heightened market nervousness, particularly against the backdrop of concerns related to the AI Ghost Trade and Anthropic's recent tools, leading to a decline in investor sentiment.
- Resilient Tech Stocks: Despite recent sell-offs, Ives sees certain technology stocks as resilient, capable of maintaining stability amid current turmoil, showcasing their defensive advantages in uncertain environments.
- Defensive Tech Companies: Ives emphasizes 10 key tech companies on the X platform, including CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, and Microsoft, which possess defensive advantages in cybersecurity and defense sectors, enabling them to withstand market volatility.
- Investor Focus: Companies like Apple and Salesforce have become focal points for investors due to their performance in turbulent markets, and are expected to attract more capital inflows to navigate future uncertainties.
Anthropic Designated Supply Chain Risk by Trump Administration
- Supply Chain Risk Declaration: The Trump administration's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk has prompted 10 startups working with the Department of Defense to cease using its Claude model and seek alternatives, potentially impacting about 80% of Anthropic's enterprise revenue.
- Defense Contract Implications: Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin are expected to remove Anthropic's technology from their supply chains, which could lead to a decline in Anthropic's market share within the defense sector and adversely affect future revenue growth.
- Legal Response Possibility: Anthropic has indicated it may appeal the supply chain risk designation through legal channels, although no formal action has been taken yet; if the designation becomes official, it would restrict the use of Claude in defense contracts, potentially affecting its business with other clients.
- Market Reaction and Alternatives: Several defense tech firms are proactively transitioning their workforce away from Claude to other models, and while Anthropic's product is regarded as excellent, the reliance on it for defense contracts is now under scrutiny, posing challenges for its continued use in sensitive environments.
Wedbush Lists 10 Tech Stocks to Own Amid Iran Conflict
- Defensive Investment Picks: Wedbush Securities highlights that despite recent market volatility, tech stocks like Apple, Microsoft, and ServiceNow are seen as defensive investments worth holding during geopolitical conflicts, showcasing their robust business models and risk resilience.
- Cybersecurity Sector Strength: CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks are viewed as having competitive advantages in the modern threat landscape, with the former offering innovative solutions through its 'best-in-class' Falcon platform, while the latter leverages AI to enhance customer value and meet rising cybersecurity demands.
- Government Contract Opportunities: Palantir is considered well-positioned for deals with the U.S. federal government, as its AI platform becomes the default builder for the Department of Defense, indicating strong demand for its services in government contracts.
- AI-Driven Long-Term Growth: Analysts believe Salesforce and ServiceNow will benefit from the AI revolution, with the former boasting over 150,000 customers and the latter viewed as a tailwind for future growth due to its critical role in enterprise infrastructure.
