President Donald Trump said artificial intelligence will have a greater impact than the internet and defended his administration's scrutiny of AI companies, including Anthropic.

"It's bigger than the internet," Trump said in an interview with Axios.

Trump predicted AI would drive major advances in medicine, science and economic productivity while also presenting new national security challenges.

The president was also asked about Anthropic and suggested administration officials recently had concerns about the company's activities.

"A week ago, maybe," Trump said when asked about the issue.

"We didn't like what they were doing."

Trump did not elaborate on the specific concerns but indicated the administration was closely monitoring developments in the rapidly expanding AI sector.

The president also left open the possibility of using federal authorities to influence AI development if necessary.

Asked whether he would consider using powers such as the Defense Production Act in connection with artificial intelligence, Trump replied: "I would."

The administration has increasingly framed AI as both an economic opportunity and a strategic competition issue involving China and other global rivals.