Anthropic hires Trump-linked lobbying firm

AI safety company Anthropic has engaged the services of Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm with ties to former President Donald Trump. This move comes as Anthropic navigates its ongoing discussions and potential conflicts with the Pentagon. The firm's involvement suggests Anthropic is seeking to influence policy and regulatory discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, particularly concerning its interactions with government entities. The specific nature of their lobbying efforts remains to be seen, but it indicates a strategic push to shape the AI landscape from a political and regulatory standpoint.