# Pentagon Official Warns AI Labs of Export Controls Over Noncooperation

By Riza Dagoc

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/regulation/34912
Published: 2026-10-19T17:17:48.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-19T17:17:48.000Z
Section: Regulation

> Undersecretary Emil Michael linked AI developers’ cooperation with the U.S. government to potential trade restrictions.

The Pentagon’s chief technology officer warned that U.S. export controls could be used against AI labs that refuse to cooperate with the federal government.

Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael linked potential trade restrictions to how AI companies work with Washington. His warning described a response the government could take if cooperation breaks down. It did not announce a new restriction on a specific lab.

Michael’s comments raised the prospect of using trade limits in a dispute over an AI developer’s cooperation with the government, bringing a company’s relationship with federal officials into an area of policy often focused on technology moving overseas.

The warning comes amid public tension between Anthropic and the Pentagon and an OpenAI Defense Department agreement with a provision barring domestic surveillance. OpenAI has a Defense Department agreement with a provision barring domestic surveillance. Anthropic has had a more contentious relationship with the Pentagon. Michael’s remarks add potential export restrictions to the issues those companies must consider in their dealings with Washington.