Consumer backlash fuels Claude downloads and App Store surge as debate over AI–military ties intensifies
OpenAI’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) triggered a sudden consumer reaction: ChatGPT app uninstalls in the U.S. surged 295% day-over-day on Saturday, February 28.
Data from Sensor Tower shows the spike sharply exceeded ChatGPT’s normal uninstall trend of about 9% day-over-day over the past month. The surge followed news that OpenAI had agreed to work with the DoD—recently rebranded under the Trump administration as the Department of War.
For a product that dominates the AI app ecosystem, the reaction resembled a sudden market tremor—users voting with their thumbs.
Users React to OpenAI’s Defense Partnership
The backlash appeared almost immediately after the announcement.
- 295% increase in U.S. ChatGPT uninstalls on Feb. 28
- Typical uninstall movement averages ~9% day-over-day
- Consumer criticism surged in app reviews
Sensor Tower also reported a 775% spike in 1-star reviews for ChatGPT on Saturday.
The negative sentiment continued Sunday, with another 100% day-over-day rise in one-star ratings.
Meanwhile, five-star reviews fell by 50% during the same period.
The reaction reflects a long-standing debate around AI’s role in military systems, surveillance, and autonomous weapons.
Claude Gains Momentum After Rejecting DoD Partnership
While ChatGPT faced pushback, Anthropic’s Claude gained a sudden boost.
The company publicly confirmed it declined to partner with the U.S. defense department, citing concerns about potential use cases.
Anthropic pointed to two risks:
- Domestic surveillance of Americans
- Fully autonomous weapons, which it argues AI cannot safely support today
Consumers appeared to reward that stance.
Sensor Tower reported:
- Claude downloads rose 37% day-over-day on Feb. 27
- Downloads climbed 51% day-over-day on Feb. 28
Appfigures estimated an even larger surge, putting Claude’s download growth at 88% day-over-day on Saturday.
For the first time, Claude’s total daily U.S. downloads surpassed ChatGPT’s.
ChatGPT Download Growth Slows
The OpenAI news also dented ChatGPT’s growth momentum.
- U.S. downloads fell 13% day-over-day Saturday
- Declined another 5% day-over-day Sunday
- Just a day earlier, downloads had grown 14% day-over-day Friday
In other words, the narrative flipped in less than 48 hours.
What looked like steady growth quickly turned into reputational turbulence.
Claude Climbs to No.1 on the App Store
The surge pushed Claude to the No.1 spot on the U.S. App Store on February 28, where it remained through Monday, March 2.
That ranking marks a jump of more than 20 positions compared with February 22.
Claude also climbed internationally, becoming the No.1 free iPhone app in six additional countries:
- Belgium
- Canada
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- Norway
- Switzerland
Similarweb reported that Claude’s U.S. downloads over the past week were roughly 20× higher than in January.
However, the firm cautioned that political controversy may not be the only driver behind the spike.
A New Flashpoint in the AI Arms Debate
The episode highlights a growing tension inside the AI industry.
Some companies see government and defense contracts as inevitable, especially as nations race to integrate AI into security systems. Others view the same partnerships as a reputational risk—or even an ethical red line.
The question now facing AI companies: Can they balance national security work with public trust?
For millions of users watching from their smartphones, the answer may shape which AI assistant they choose next.
TL;DR:
ChatGPT U.S. uninstalls surged 295% after OpenAI announced a partnership with the Department of Defense. At the same time, Anthropic’s Claude gained downloads and reached No.1 on the App Store after declining a defense deal. The episode underscores rising public sensitivity around AI’s role in military and surveillance systems.
AI summary
- ChatGPT uninstalls jumped 295% after OpenAI’s DoD deal news
- 1-star reviews surged 775%, while five-star ratings dropped 50%
- Claude downloads grew 37–88% and briefly surpassed ChatGPT
- Claude reached No.1 on the U.S. App Store and several other countries
- Debate over AI in military and surveillance use intensifies
