On March 9, 2025, Anthropic, a prominent artificial intelligence company, engaged Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm closely associated with former President Donald Trump, amidst ongoing negotiations with the Pentagon. The Department of Defense had issued a supply chain risk designation, demanding unrestricted access to Anthropic's tools for lawful applications. However, Anthropic raised concerns regarding the potential use of its technology for fully autonomous weapons and the mass surveillance of U.S. citizens. This hiring marks the sixth external lobbying firm Anthropic has engaged since November 2024, reflecting its increasing efforts to navigate federal contracts and regulatory environments. In 2025, Anthropic's lobbying expenditures reached $3.1 million, representing a 330% increase year-over-year. The AI sector's lobbying efforts have reached record levels, with total spending hitting $37.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, a 38% increase from the previous year.