The Department of Justice has thrown its weight behind Elon Musk's xAI, arguing that the company's gas turbines are vital for national security. The move comes as a legal battle rages over alleged violations of environmental laws at xAI’s data center in Mississippi.

In a filing to federal court, the DOJ stated that attempts to shut down the gas turbines 'threaten American national, economic and energy security,' citing their critical role in supporting military operations. The suit was filed by the NAACP, which claims that the unpermitted use of natural gas turbines endangers public health.

According to the DOJ, only four AI models, including xAI's Grok, support top-secret military operations. Cameron Stanley, chief digital and AI officer at the Department of Defense, declared that forcing xAI to stop running their turbines 'directly threatens ongoing national security interests.'

The case highlights the tension between technological advancement and environmental regulations. In 2024, xAI's unpermitted gas turbines in Memphis sparked controversy amid high asthma rates. Since then, the company has expanded its operations significantly, with the number of unpermitted turbines at their Southaven site rising from 27 to 57.

The Southern Environmental Law Center revealed that many new turbines were added after the NAACP filed its lawsuit, prompting questions about whether the state’s claims align with federal regulations.