Incident2026-10-02

OpenAI president Greg Brockman planned to give $50 million to a super PAC. Employees publicly criticized the PAC’s tactics on internal Slack. Brockman then abandoned the second $25 million of his commitment. He cited reputational harm to OpenAI as the reason. The PAC had targeted an AI safety advocate running for Congress. Employees also flagged a PAC-linked account posting inflammatory content. Brockman had expected the PAC to focus on supporting allied candidates. OpenAI staff had questioned the PAC’s independence from the company. The PAC later shifted to donating to front-runners in congressional races. The episode highlights internal OpenAI tensions over political activity.

What changed

Greg Brockman had committed $50 million to Leading the Future super PAC.

What it unlocks

OpenAI employees influenced Brockman to withdraw half of his political donation.

  • $50 million commitment
  • $25 million abandoned
  • 24 agree reactions
  • 40 hearts, 5 checkmarks, 3 thank-you emojis

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