The Daily Scoop Podcast — Episode Summary
Episode: OPM drops Claude, adds Grok and Codex to AI use disclosure
Host: Billy Mitchell
Date: March 6, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The Daily Scoop Podcast delivers the latest headlines in government technology, focusing on significant updates from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding its artificial intelligence (AI) tools and the Department of Defense’s new cybersecurity leadership. The main themes include OPM’s shifting AI landscape following a federal ban on Anthropic’s Claude, the integration of new AI platforms (Grok and Codex), and a leadership transition within Pentagon cybersecurity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. OPM’s Update to AI Use Disclosure

(00:10–02:40)

• OPM Removes Claude, Adds Grok and Codex:
  • The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) removed Anthropic’s Claude from its inventory of AI tools, following a government-wide ban issued by President Donald Trump.
  • OPM concurrently added Grok (from Elon Musk’s xAI) and Codex (from OpenAI) to its public list of AI use cases.
• Background on the Ban:
  • Claude’s removal stems from a recent disagreement over its guardrails between its developer, Anthropic, and the Department of Defense.
  • The government-wide ban led “numerous federal agencies” to discontinue Anthropic services, including OPM.
• Clarification from OPM:
  • The addition of Grok and Codex was not a direct response to Claude’s removal; these initiatives were “already underway.”
  • Notable Quote, from OPM spokesperson McLaurin Pinover:

    “The Human Capital Agency is constantly working to provide the best tools to the OPM workforce and these initiatives were already underway.” (01:09)

• Deployment Status:
  • Grok: Listed as “in production” starting Q1 2026 (calendar year).
  • Codex: Being deployed in a “sandbox phase,” described as a controlled environment for testing.
• Other AI Tools Added:
  • OPM also disclosed use of other AI-powered systems — Wiz, Zendesk, Waze, Google Maps, and the Apple iPhone — backdating their use to earlier quarters, reflecting incorporation of commercial, off-the-shelf technologies.
• Impact of Claude’s Removal:
  • Claude was in a “sandbox phase” and had been used for summarization, drafting, and decision support functions.
  • OPM asserts the transition away from Claude will not affect agency functions.

2. Pentagon’s New Chief Information Security Officer

(02:41–03:39)

• James Aaron Bishop Appointed Pentagon CISO:
  • Bishop was announced as the new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and deputy CIO for cybersecurity at the Department of Defense (DoD).
  • He had served as acting CISO since February 27, 2026, under DoD CIO Kirsten Davies (per a LinkedIn post from DoD’s OCIO).
• Background & Experience:
  • Former CISO for the Department of the Air Force (including Air & Space Forces).
  • Private sector roles include:
    • CEO & founder of Quantum Security Alliance
    • CEO & founder of Eigenspace
    • VP & CISO at SAIC
    • GM of Microsoft’s National Security Group
• Succession:
  • Bishop replaces Dave McCune, who transitions to the private sector after serving as DoD CISO Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity and special assistant for Cybersecurity Innovation.

Notable Quotes & Segments

• OPM on AI Tool Changes:
  • “The Human Capital Agency is constantly working to provide the best tools to the OPM workforce and these initiatives were already underway.”
    — McLaurin Pinover, OPM Spokeswoman (01:09)
• On Claude’s Use:
  • “The agency was still in the initial steps of implementing the tool and didn’t expect it to affect OPM functions.”
    — OPM statement on discontinuing Claude (02:34)
• On the Reach of the AI Ban:
  • “Removal of Claude comes after a disagreement between its maker...and the Department of Defense over the technology’s guardrails culminated in President Donald Trump issuing a government wide ban on the company late last week.” (00:30)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:10–02:40 — OPM’s AI update: removal of Claude, addition of Grok and Codex, details on deployment, and context for each tool.
• 02:41–03:39 — James Aaron Bishop’s appointment as DoD CISO, his credentials, and transition details.
• 03:40–04:18 — Closing acknowledgements and production credits (non-content/not summarized).

Recap & Takeaways

• OPM, like many federal agencies, is rapidly evolving its use of AI, discontinuing Claude in line with federal policy while expanding use of commercial AI tools like Grok and Codex.
• The agency continues to emphasize that its AI adoption is proactive, not solely reactive to bans.
• The Pentagon’s new CISO, James Aaron Bishop, brings both government and private sector experience to advancing DoD’s cybersecurity posture.
• This episode underscores the government’s adaptive approach to AI risk, policy, and leadership in the context of ongoing technological change.