The Trump administration outlined contrasting approaches to artificial intelligence policy this week, with Pentagon leadership rejecting partnerships with certain AI companies while the White House emphasized a market-driven strategy.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said Wednesday that the administration is "not in the business of picking winners and losers" regarding AI development. Speaking about the administration's technology goals, Wiles stated the objective is to "ensure the best and safest tech is deployed rapidly to defeat any and all threats."

Meanwhile, Pentagon Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael ruled out any reconciliation with AI company Anthropic during a Thursday fireside chat at the AI+ Expo. This stance comes despite what sources described as the White House taking a softer tone toward the company.

"Never again will we be single-threaded with any one model," Michael said, indicating the Defense Department's intention to diversify its AI partnerships rather than rely on individual companies.

The statements highlight different approaches within the administration toward AI governance, with the White House emphasizing market forces while the Pentagon takes a more selective stance on specific partnerships. The Pentagon's position on Anthropic appears to reflect broader concerns about dependency on single AI providers for national security applications.