Users are increasingly switching from ChatGPT to Claude due to recent controversies surrounding OpenAI and its parent company. A significant factor was Anthropic's refusal to allow the Department of Defense to use its AI for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons, which led to former President Trump ordering federal agencies to cease using Anthropic products and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeling the company a supply-chain threat. Despite OpenAI's subsequent agreement with the Pentagon, which includes claimed safeguards, the deal has ignited debate on AI ethics and privacy. This has propelled Claude to the top of free app rankings in the U.S. App Store, with Anthropic reporting record daily sign-ups, a 60% increase in free users since January, and a doubling of paid subscribers this year, making Claude a compelling alternative for many.