US lawmakers criticize AI firms after Anthropic researcher warns of extinction risk by 2030

Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who left the company earlier this year, warned that artificial‑intelligence systems could evolve into “superhuman” entities capable of causing human extinction by the end of the decade. His claim follows a separate alert issued by three current Anthropic scientists who similarly warned that unchecked AI development could pose an existential threat within ten years. The statements have prompted immediate reactions from U.S. policymakers, with several legislators calling for urgent scrutiny of the technology’s trajectory.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas amplified the concerns during an interview on ABC’s *The View*, describing AI as a “catastrophic risk” and citing a recent tweet thread from the Anthropic developers as “highly concerning.” Cruz’s remarks reflect a growing bipartisan push to evaluate regulatory frameworks for advanced AI, as lawmakers seek to balance innovation with safeguards against potential threats to public safety and global stability.