Musk labels Anthropic as ‘misanthropic and evil’
The Hill
by Julia ShaperoFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Elon Musk has sharply criticized Anthropic, calling the AI firm “misanthropic and evil” following its recent funding announcement. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who owns competing AI company xAI, accused Anthropic’s AI of harboring discriminatory biases, claiming it “hates Whites & Asians, especially Chinese, heterosexuals and men.” However, Musk did not provide any specific evidence to back up these allegations. His remarks have sparked widespread debate over the ethical implications of AI development and competition in the tech industry.
The feud between Musk and Anthropic highlights the growing tensions in the AI sector, where major players are vying for dominance. Anthropic, known for its focus on “aligned” AI that aims to align with human values, has previously faced criticism for its decision to pause operations of its controversial AI model, Claude 2. Meanwhile, Musk’s xAI continues to push boundaries with its own AI projects. The rivalry appears to be intensifying, with both companies positioning themselves as leaders in the field.
This clash matters politically because it underscores broader concerns about AI ethics, bias, and regulation. As governments worldwide grapple with how to oversee AI development, such disputes highlight the potential risks of unaligned AI systems. Musk’s accusations also raise questions about accountability in tech: if AI models are found to harbor biases or discriminatory tendencies, who is responsible for addressing them? The fallout from this feud could influence policy decisions and shape the future of AI research and deployment.
Ultimately, the debate between Musk and Anthropic reflects a larger conversation about the role of technology in society. With AI becoming increasingly integrated into politics, business, and daily life, questions about its ethical use and oversight are more relevant than ever. This conflict serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in developing advanced AI systems and the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration among stakeholders.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/13/2026
