OpenAI hires ex-Army Secretary, gaining bipartisan reach just as midterms loom
decoder ·
OpenAI has appointed former US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as its Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization to strengthen its defense and government relations. This strategic hire aims to expand OpenAI's influence in national security policy and secure more government contracts by leveraging Driscoll’s extensive connections in Congress and the Pentagon. Driscoll previously led AI modernization efforts within the Army, including Project ARIA, giving him valuable experience in military procurement and technology deployment. His appointment follows a significant shift in the defense sector after Anthropic was excluded from Pentagon contracts due to disagreements over surveillance and autonomous weapons restrictions. OpenAI subsequently secured a deal with the Pentagon to deploy its models on classified networks, positioning itself as a key partner for US military intelligence. Driscoll’s bipartisan relationships are expected to be particularly advantageous as midterm elections approach, potentially influencing future AI regulation in the armed forces. He will work to align OpenAI’s capabilities with the evolving needs of security institutions and allies.
decoder