Anthropic just added national security expert Richard Fontaine to its long-term benefit trust. The move comes a day after the company announced new AI models aimed at U.S. national security.
The trust helps Anthropic prioritize safety over profits and can elect some of the company’s board members. Other trustees include executives from the Centre for Effective Altruism, Clinton Health Access Initiative, and Evidence Action.
CEO Dario Amodei emphasized Fontaine’s role in steering Anthropic through tough AI security decisions. 
“Richard’s expertise comes at a critical time as advanced AI capabilities increasingly intersect with national security considerations,” Amodei said.
“I’ve long believed that ensuring democratic nations maintain leadership in responsible AI development is essential for both global security and the common good.”
Fontaine has a long history in security and policy, including as foreign policy adviser to the late Sen. John McCain and former president of the Center for A New American Security. He won’t have a financial stake in Anthropic, acting solely as a trustee.
Anthropic has been pushing harder into defense contracts lately. In November, it teamed up with Palantir and AWS to offer AI tools to U.S. defense customers.
It’s not alone. OpenAI, Meta, Google, and Cohere are also targeting AI deals with the Department of Defense.
This addition arrives as Anthropic continues to build its leadership team. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings joined the board just last May.
Anthropic’s announcement details Fontaine’s new role and the company’s AI security push.
