ChatGPT uninstalls spike 295% in US after OpenAI’s AI deal with Pentagon
ChatGPT mobile app uninstalls in the US surged nearly 295% following OpenAI’s defense partnership announcement, according to Sensor Tower data. Downloads also declined as social media backlash intensified. Meanwhile, Anthropic’s Claude saw a sharp rise in downloads, climbing to the top of the US App Store rankings as users reacted to the growing debate over AI’s role in military applications.
ChatGPT Uninstalls Surge After DoD Partnership Announcement
Market intelligence data shows a dramatic increase in ChatGPT mobile app uninstalls in the United States immediately after OpenAI announced its partnership with the US Department of Defense (DoD) now referred to in some reports as the “Department of War.” According to Sensor Tower figures, the uninstall rate for ChatGPT spiked by about 295% on February 28, 2026, compared with its recent average day-over-day rate of around 9%.
The surge reflects a strong user reaction to OpenAI’s agreement to deploy its AI models in classified government systems, a move that triggered vocal criticism from some users uncomfortable with the ethical and privacy implications of military AI use. Many consumers took to uninstalling the ChatGPT app and reviews surged with negative feedback: one-star ratings jumped sharply, while five-star reviews declined significantly over the weekend.
ChatGPT Downloads Dip as Users React
Alongside uninstalls, downloads of ChatGPT in the US fell noticeably, with a 13% drop on Saturday, followed by continuing declines into Sunday. Some analysts link the dip to growing social media campaigns such as “#CancelChatGPT,” where users publicly posted screenshots of deleting the app and switching to alternatives.
Social sentiment online including on platforms like Reddit and X reflects polarized user views, with many expressing distrust of AI tied to defense applications, while others debate the real meaning and scale of the uninstall data.
Claude Surges to the Top of US App Charts
In contrast to ChatGPT’s decline in downloads and rising uninstalls, Anthropic’s Claude AI experienced a surge in demand. Sensor Tower data shows Claude’s downloads rising by about:
- 37% on February 27
- 51% on February 28
This coincided with the period immediately after Anthropic publicly declined a defense contract and reiterated its stance against using AI for autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance.
This increase helped Claude climb to the No. 1 spot on the US Apple App Store free apps chart over the weekend, overtaking both ChatGPT and other major competitors. Claude’s rise reflects heightened attention from users seeking alternatives possibly driven by ethical concerns or curiosity amid the broader AI debate.
Reports indicate that Claude’s ranking jumped from outside the top 100 at the end of January to the top position by late February, while free user sign-ups and paid subscriptions have also grown strongly.
Context: Pentagon and AI Sector Backdrop
The shifts in app usage come amid a broader controversy over how AI should be used in defense and national security contexts. Anthropic’s refusal to relax safeguards on AI usage led to it being labelled a supply-chain risk by the US government and its use within federal agencies was restricted. OpenAI’s subsequent agreement with the Defense Department which included conditions on safety and surveillance sparked public debate and industry reaction.
As a result, consumer behaviour over the weekend appeared influenced not just by technical preferences but by ethical perceptions and trust in how AI models are deployed, with some users opting for Claude as a form of protest or alternative.