User Exodus: ChatGPT Deletions Surge 295% Following Pentagon Deal.

ChatGPT Deletions Spike After U.S. Defense Department Contract

According to Novyny.live: Following the announcement of a contract between OpenAI and the U.S. Department of Defense on February 28, 2026, American users have been uninstalling the ChatGPT app in significant numbers. This user backlash triggered a 295% increase in app deletions and a staggering 775% rise in one-star reviews, indicating a sharp decline in its popularity. The public's reaction highlights growing scrutiny over the ethical implications of AI development, particularly for military applications.

While the average daily deletion rate for ChatGPT was around 9% in January and February, it surged dramatically after the contract news broke. Overall app downloads have also fallen by 13%, reflecting apprehension among potential new users. This data suggests users are actively responding to news about the potential military use of artificial intelligence.

Competitor Claude Gains as User Preferences Shift

Amid ChatGPT's decline, its competitor Claude, developed by Anthropic, is seeing substantial growth. Claude's downloads increased by 37% on February 27 and by 51% on February 28, signaling a shift in user interest. Notably, Anthropic had previously refused to collaborate with the U.S. Defense Department due to ethical concerns about AI weaponization, a stance that may now be attracting users.

Furthermore, in March 2026, Claude surpassed ChatGPT in popularity on the U.S. App Store for the first time, a remarkable shift given it wasn't even in the Top 100 in January. This represents a major change in user preferences. Research from Microsoft Research and Salesforce also indicates that even the most advanced AI chatbots can lose reliability in extended conversations, which may further influence how these applications are perceived and rated.

The contrasting fortunes of ChatGPT and Claude underscore the critical importance of ethical considerations in AI deployment, especially for military purposes. The user migration from ChatGPT to Claude demonstrates that consumers are becoming increasingly sensitive to how technology impacts society and global security. This case serves as a cautionary tale for other tech companies considering partnerships with government agencies in controversial fields.