Pentagon Names Gavin Kliger as Chief Data Officer

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has appointed computer scientist Gavin Kliger as its new Chief Data Officer, placing him at the center of the department’s major artificial intelligence initiatives.

In a social media post on Friday, the Pentagon said Kliger will play a key role in advancing the department’s AI strategy. His responsibilities will include overseeing the day-to-day alignment and execution of AI projects and working closely with leading American AI laboratories to support military operations and national defense efforts.

The position will also involve coordinating data and AI systems across the Department of Defense, ensuring that advanced technologies are effectively integrated into military planning and operations.

Kliger previously supported efforts led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to reform government systems last year. However, his appointment has also drawn attention due to some of his past social media activity.

Between October 2024 and January 2025, Kliger shared posts and content online that included material from controversial internet personalities such as Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate, figures who have faced widespread criticism for extremist and misogynistic views.

The Pentagon has not provided additional comments about these posts, and Kliger did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

His appointment comes at a time when the Pentagon’s use of artificial intelligence has become a major topic of debate. The department recently had a high-profile dispute with AI company Anthropic over how its AI tools could be used by the U.S. military.

Anthropic had imposed restrictions on its Claude AI system, refusing to allow it to be used for autonomous weapons or large-scale surveillance. The Pentagon argued that it should be able to use AI technologies when necessary, provided their use complies with U.S. law.

Following the disagreement, the Trump administration decided to move away from Anthropic and instead work with OpenAI for certain AI projects. On Thursday, the Pentagon also labeled Anthropic a supply-chain risk, a rare action taken by the U.S. government against an American technology company.

The development highlights growing tensions between technology firms and the military over the ethical use of artificial intelligence in defense and warfare.

As Chief Data Officer, Kliger will now play an important role in shaping how the Pentagon manages data and develops AI capabilities for future military operations.