Anthropic announced the appointment of Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Centre for a New American Security, to its Long-Term Benefit Trust on June 7th, 2025. The Long-Term Benefit Trust is an 'independent body' designed to help Anthropic achieve its public benefit mission as the AI company navigates increasingly complex national security considerations.
Fontaine brings extensive government experience, including roles at the National Security Council, State Department, Capitol Hill, and four years on the Defence Policy Board. His appointment directly addresses the growing intersection between AI capabilities and geopolitical risks as advanced AI systems increasingly impact national security.
"As the LTBT continues to mature, Richard's extensive national security experience brings critical perspective to help guide Anthropic through the complex challenges of increasingly powerful AI and its impact on global security," said Buddy Shah, Chair of the Long-Term Benefit Trust.
Fontaine stated: "With transformative AI on the near-term horizon, companies must consider the profound implications for everything we care about, including our security, our jobs, and our human interactions. My conversations with Dario, Daniela, and the LTBT team made clear that Anthropic takes these challenges seriously."
Dario Amodei, CEO and Co-founder of Anthropic, emphasised the strategic importance: "I've long believed that ensuring democratic nations maintain leadership in responsible AI development is essential for both global security and the common good. Richard's appointment strengthens the Trust's ability to guide Anthropic through the complex decisions that will shape not just our industry, but the global balance of power."
The Trust's composition recognises that transformative AI will reshape fundamental aspects of human society, from global health to international security to democratic institutions' basic functioning.