OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defends decision to strike Pentagon deal after Anthropic blacklisting, admits ‘optics don’t look good’

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended the company's Pentagon partnership during an X AMA session, acknowledging that "the optics don't look good" after Anthropic's exclusion from defense contracts. Altman admitted the defense deal "was certainly rushed," suggesting internal recognition of the decision's controversial timing and appearance, though he maintained support for the strategic partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.