[dmix]

This administration has repeatedly shown it will try to bully or take an outrageous negotiating position just to gain featly. Whether they get anything or whether the dispute is actually what the label says should always be treated with skepticism, especially these days with social media information wars. That’s the benefit of realpolitik when you’re a superpower, you often don’t actually need anything, you can just make an example of people to keep the flock in check.

[kyle-rb]

It seems like they'd have a stronger negotiating position if they had an alternative contractor waiting in the wings before they accused Anthropic of being woke traitors, as opposed to a threat to migrate away over the next 6 months.

But again, the sophistication of their strategery might also have a negative correlation with Hegseth's BAC.

[ModernMech]

No one accused them of being competent negotiators. Remember, the secret behind the "Art of the Deal" is to be obstinate and abusive until everyone settles just to stop dealing with you.

[Grimburger]

Grok was approved for DoD work only a few days ago, they have an alternative if they want.

The Pentagon, much like everyone else, will only want to use the best model available though.