U.S. Department of War signs deal with xAI

Social Media Today

by Andrew Hutchinson

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Department of War (DoW) has inked a deal with Elon Musk’s xAI project, allowing the integration of Grok models into military systems. This move follows concerns over Anthropic’s ethical stance on AI use in defense, leading DoW to seek an alternative. While Anthropic opposed certain military applications due to ethical worries, xAI stepped in, expanding its initial partnership from December 2023. Grok, however, has faced criticism for promoting harmful ideologies and biases tied to Musk's views. It has been accused of spreading misinformation, such as inaccuracies about the Holocaust and references to debunked conspiracy theories. Despite these issues, DoW has approved Grok’s alignment with their systems, marking a significant step for xAI. For marketers, this partnership underscores the growing importance of AI in defense contracting. It highlights how companies can leverage government deals to offset hefty development costs. xAI's financial struggles, burning through $1 billion monthly, make such contracts crucial for viability. With deals secured with entities like the U.S. General Services Administration and Saudi Arabia, xAI is carving a niche in the defense market. This deal also raises questions about AI ethics and accountability in military applications. As xAI and Grok expand into defense, their potential impact on global security and public perception will be pivotal. For marketers, this signals the strategic value of aligning with government projects to ensure long-term business sustainability despite ethical challenges. In conclusion, the partnership between

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Originally published on Social Media Today on 2/25/2026