Emil Michael
Mentioned in 18 analyzed podcast episodes across 9 shows
A government official serving as Undersecretary of War (or Undersecretary for Research and Engineering), involved in failed contract negotiations between the Pentagon and Anthropic, which he publicly criticized on social media. Previously known as a former Uber executive who negotiated Pentagon deals and faced criticism for past behavior. Podcast coverage has focused on the timeline and breakdown of his communications with Anthropic leadership regarding defense contracts.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
Offline with Jon Favreau · Apr 11, 2026
Sam Altman's Big Little Lies
“Former Uber executive; told Altman he was 'willing to jump' on Pentagon contracts, suggesting willingness to abandon Anthropic relationship”
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Apr 10, 2026
Anthropic's $30B Ramp, Mythos Doomsday, OpenClaw Ankled, Iran War Ceasefire, Israel's Influence
“Previously discussed government relationship with AI companies on the podcast”
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Mar 27, 2026
Anthropic's Generational Run, OpenAI Panics, AI Moats, Meta Loses Lawsuits
“Mentioned regarding Pentagon negotiations and conflict of interest allegations”
TBPN · Mar 25, 2026
Benchmark’s Ship of Theseus, OpenAI Kills Sora, SpaceX $2T IPO Buzz | Diet TBPN
“Criticized Benchmark's actions using Wuhan Institute analogy”
"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis · Mar 19, 2026
Zvi's Mic Works! Recursive Self-Improvement, Live Player Analysis, Anthropic vs DoW + More!
“Department of War official driving conflict with Anthropic over surveillance capabilities”
The a16z Show · Mar 13, 2026
Emil Michael: Iran, Anthropic and the Future of AI at the Pentagon
“Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering leading Pentagon AI modernization efforts”
Pivot · Mar 13, 2026
Iran War Oil Shock, Anthropic Sues, and Market Wipeout Warning
“Defense Department CTO attacking Anthropic, former Uber executive with controversial past”
Uncanny Valley | WIRED · Mar 12, 2026
Can Anthropic Win Its Lawsuit?; War Memes; AI Comes for VCs Jobs
“Pentagon official confident DoD will prevail in Anthropic lawsuit”
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Mar 6, 2026
Inside the Iran War and the Pentagon's Feud with Anthropic with Under Secretary of War Emil Michael
“Under Secretary of War overseeing Pentagon AI portfolio and defense technology procurement”
The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis · Mar 6, 2026
AI Is Officially Political
“Pentagon Undersecretary for Research and Engineering, former Uber executive restarting negotiations with Anthropic”
The a16z Show · Mar 5, 2026
Ben Thompson: Anthropic, the Pentagon, and the Limits of Private Power
“Mentioned for providing timeline details about Anthropic-Pentagon negotiations”
Uncanny Valley | WIRED · Mar 5, 2026
Iran Strikes in the AI Era; Prediction Markets Ethics; Paramount Beats Netflix
“Trump Pentagon official leading public battle against Anthropic over contract terms”
Pivot · Mar 3, 2026
Iran War: Trump's Endgame, Economic Fallout and Polymarket Profiteering
“Former Uber executive negotiating Pentagon deals, criticized for past behavior”
TBPN · Mar 3, 2026
Anthropic v. DoW, Paramount wins WB, OpenAI raises $100B | Diet TBPN
“Undersecretary of War who detailed failed communications with Anthropic leadership”
TBPN · Mar 2, 2026
Anthropic vs DoW, Ben Thompson Joins, Ellison Says The Biggest Number | James Beshara, John B. Quinn, Michael Grinich, Adam Simon, Matthias Wagner, Joan Rodriguez, Zach Yadegari, Andy Markoff
“Undersecretary of War detailed timeline of failed Anthropic contract negotiations”
TBPN · Mar 2, 2026
FULL INTERVIEW: Ben Thompson on Why Anthropic is Wrong
“Provided timeline details about Anthropic-Pentagon contract negotiations”
Big Technology Podcast · Mar 2, 2026
Dario’s Choice and Anthropic’s Future, Apple’s AI Devices, Netflix Loses WBD
“Undersecretary of War who criticized Anthropic publicly on social media”
Big Technology Podcast · Feb 27, 2026
Anthropic vs. The Pentagon, Bloodbath at Block, The Citrini Selloff
“Pentagon's Undersecretary for Research and Engineering involved in Anthropic negotiations”