Sam Altman posts letter from senators concerned about OpenAI donations [Video]

U.S. senators on Friday expressed concern to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that he’s attempting to “cozy up to the incoming Trump administration” with the aim of avoiding regulation and limiting scrutiny.

In a letter signed by Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Michael Bennet of Colorado, the lawmakers said that in the two months since the election, large tech companies have made “million-dollar gifts to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund in what appears to be an effort to influence and sway the actions and policies of the incoming administration.”

Altman personally contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund. Microsoft, Google, Meta and Amazon donated the same amount, but as companies rather than from executives. Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly also contributed $1 million. 

“You have a clear and direct interest in obtaining favors from the incoming administration: your company and many other Big Tech donors are already the subject of ongoing federal investigations and regulatory actions,” …