Anthropic’s AI lobbying mirrors Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto regulatory push, critics say

Anthropic, the developer of the Claude chatbot, is channeling substantial funds into Washington to secure AI safety rules, including mandatory testing, auditing and authority to halt unsafe models. Federal disclosures show the firm spent close to $7 million on lobbying from 2025 through mid-2026 and earmarked $40 million for Public First Action, a 501(c)(4) tied to a super-PAC promoting pro-regulation messaging. Observers draw a parallel to Sam Bankman-Fried’s former crypto lobbying, where he funneled tens of millions into political contributions to advance the Digital Commodities Consumer Protection Act before facing criminal charges for illegal donations.

Both parties presented their efforts as protecting public safety, though Bankman-Fried later called his stance “just PR.” Anthropic’s push aligns with the Trump administration’s emphasis on AI leadership and includes participation in a White House safety pact signed on Sept. 29. Detractors argue the campaign could hurt smaller AI startups, especially under bills like California’s SB 53, while Anthropic maintains its motive is genuine safety.