The United States Department of Defense or the Pentagon has appointed computer scientist Gavin Kliger as its new Chief Data Officer. In this position, Kliger will lead various military artificial intelligence initiatives that are being developed by the United States government.
The appointment was announced on Friday, March 7, 2026. In a statement on social media, the Pentagon said the new position would put Kliger at the center of the department’s most ambitious AI projects.
“This new role places him at the center of the department’s most ambitious AI efforts, with a focus on daily coordination and execution of the department’s AI projects as well as working directly with America’s leading AI labs to support the needs of the troops,” the Pentagon wrote.
Previously, Kliger was known as a figure who helped billionaire technology Elon Musk’s efforts to overhaul a number of US government systems last year through an initiative known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, the appointment also drew scrutiny for Kliger’s track record of activity on social media. A Reuters report last year said he had reposted content from white supremacist figure Nick Fuentes and internet figure known for his misogynistic views, Andrew Tate.
In response, Kliger denied the allegations in an email.
“I am honored to be able to take on this new role,” Kliger said. “The accusation that I support ‘bigots’, ‘extremists’, or white supremacy is completely untrue.”
Kliger’s appointment comes amid growing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence by the United States military. The debate over military AI technology heated up after a dispute between the Pentagon and the AI company Anthropic regarding the limits of using AI technology in military operations.
Last week, the Donald Trump administration decided to stop cooperating with Anthropic and replaced it with the AI company OpenAI.
On Thursday, the Pentagon even designated Anthropic as a risk in the technology supply chain. The move is considered a stern rebuke of a technology company that had previously been among the most active in cooperating with the US national security agencies.
Tensions between the two parties have lasted for months. Anthropic refused to lift the ban on using their AI model, Claude, for the development of autonomous weapons and mass surveillance systems in the United States.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon argues that AI technology should be used as needed by the military as long as it complies with applicable laws in the United States.
Originally written by: Ary Julianto
Source: VOI
Published on: 9 March 2026
Link to original article: Pentagon Appoints Gavin Kliger as Chief Data Officer to Lead Military AI Projects
