Trump Advisor Accuses Anthropic of Regulatory Tactics Against Startups

David Sacks, the newly appointed AI advisor to former President Donald Trump, has publicly accused Anthropic of employing regulatory strategies that stifle startup innovation. In a post on social media platform X, Sacks claimed the AI company is driving "a complex regulatory capture strategy based on intimidation" through its support of state-level AI legislation.

The Controversy Over SB53

The dispute centers on California's SB53 bill, which Anthropic publicly supported while other major AI firms remained neutral or cautiously receptive. Signed into law in September 2025 and set to take effect in 2026, SB53 establishes:

Transparency requirements for AI developers
Whistleblower protections
Accountability measures for advanced AI systems

Jack Clark, Anthropic's co-founder, called Sacks' accusations "confusing," stating the company engages with policymakers in a "substantial, fact-based way." He noted Anthropic aligns with government positions on many issues despite some differences.

Federal vs State Regulation Debate

Clark explained Anthropic's support for state legislation stems from stalled progress at the federal level:

"Unified federal standards would be ideal, but we've seen little movement on comprehensive AI policy packages nationally."

The company has proposed its own transparency framework as a potential model for future federal legislation. Clark emphasized simpler rules and lower barriers would benefit startups and the broader ecosystem.

Calls for Industry Transparency

The Anthropic co-founder drew parallels between AI regulation and other industries:

Food labeling requirements
Pharmaceutical safety standards
Aviation industry oversight He warned against reactive restrictions similar to those imposed on nuclear technology development.

Key Points:

🌟 Regulatory Conflict: Sacks alleges Anthropic's advocacy harms startups through restrictive measures
📜 SB53 Bill: Requires transparency/protections for AI developers starting 2026
🔍 Federal Stalemate: Clark cites slow national progress as reason for state-level engagement