OpenAI is significantly expanding its Washington D.C. presence by tripling its policy team to 12 people. According to a report by Mohar Chatterjee in Politico, the company is positioning itself as crucial to U.S. competition with China. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s head of global affairs, is leading efforts to promote an ambitious plan for AI infrastructure development, including new “AI economic zones” and enhanced energy infrastructure for data centers.
The company has recruited several key figures from both political parties, including former staffers of Senator Lindsey Graham and Biden administration officials. OpenAI has also increased its lobbying presence by engaging firms like Hogan Lovells and Miller Strategies. The company recently entered its first commercial partnership with the Department of Defense’s Air Force Research Lab and announced a collaboration with Anduril for military AI applications.
This expansion comes as the incoming Trump administration appears more favorable to tech industry growth, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman pledging support for Trump’s AI initiatives through a $1 million inauguration fund donation. While OpenAI’s Washington team remains smaller than those of tech giants like Amazon and Meta, the company is actively working to build influence in anticipation of increased government focus on AI development.