Observed Signal · Feb 13, 2026 · Hiring · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Anthropic Welcomes Ex-Microsoft CFO Liddell to Board
Anthropic has appointed Chris Liddell—former Microsoft CFO, ex‑General Motors vice chairman and former deputy White House chief of staff under President Donald Trump—to its board of directors. The move makes Liddell the sixth board member and places him alongside CEO Dario Amodei, President Daniela Amodei and Netflix chairman Reed Hastings. The hire comes after Anthropic recently announced a $30 billion funding round valuing the company at $380 billion and a $20 million contribution to Public First Action, which backs pro‑AI regulation candidates. Company governance is managed by stockholders and a Long‑Term Benefit Trust. The appointment may affect Anthropic’s relationship with U.S. political actors amid prior criticisms from figures in the Trump administration.
Anthropic is a major foundation-model AI company; a high-profile board appointment could influence its governance and political relationships, and the company’s recent $30 billion funding and $380 billion valuation have significant competitive and regulatory implications for the AI ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Anthropic appointed Chris Liddell to its board of directors.
- Chris Liddell previously served as Microsoft chief financial officer, vice chairman of General Motors, and deputy White House chief of staff under President Donald Trump.
- Anthropic announced a $30 billion funding round at a $380 billion post-money valuation.
- Anthropic committed $20 million to Public First Action, an organization that backs pro-AI regulation candidates.
- Liddell is the sixth member of Anthropic's board, joining Dario Amodei, Daniela Amodei and Reed Hastings.
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Anthropic Donates $20M for AI Regulation Ahead of Elections
Anthropic announced a $20 million donation to Public First Action, a political group backing candidates who support stronger AI regulation ahead of the 2026 U.S. elections. Public First Action has launched six-figure ad buys to support Republican candidates Marsha Blackburn and Pete Ricketts, and is led by former lawmakers Brad Carson and Chris Stewart. Carson said the group aims to support roughly 30–50 candidates this cycle and plans to raise $50–$75 million. The article contrasts Public First Action with the pro-AI PAC Leading the Future, which has raised about $125 million from donors including Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, Joe Lonsdale, Ron Conway and Perplexity. Anthropic said regulatory policy is needed to manage AI risks and promote safeguards.
Anthropic's Ties to Trump Administration Appear to Thaw
Despite being designated a 'supply-chain risk' by the Pentagon, Anthropic has continued high-level engagement with parts of the Trump administration. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reportedly encouraged major banks to test Anthropic’s new Mythos model. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei held an introductory meeting with Bessent and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, which the White House called "productive and constructive." Anthropic said discussions covered collaboration on cybersecurity, AI safety, and maintaining U.S. leadership in AI. The company is contesting the Pentagon’s supply-chain risk designation in court; Anthropic leaders say the dispute stems from contracting negotiations related to military use and safeguards on autonomous weapons and surveillance.
Ben Bernanke Joins Anthropic’s Independent Trust
Anthropic announced it has appointed former Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke to its Long‑Term Benefit Trust, an independent governance body that advises the company and appoints its board members. Trustees do not hold equity and are compensated only for their time, and existing trustees select new members in consultation with Anthropic. Bernanke, who led the Fed from 2006–2014 and won the 2022 Nobel Prize in economics, will advise Anthropic on how AI is changing the economy. He previously served at organizations including the Brookings Institution, Citadel and Pimco. Anthropic, founded in 2021 and preparing for a potential IPO, described the trust as part of its effort to ensure long‑run benefits of AI outweigh risks.
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