OpenAI’s 'Master of Disaster' Chris Lehane takes on AI's reputation crisis
With a Molotov cocktail thrown at Sam Altman, OpenAI hires a Clinton-era fixer.
OpenAI chief of global affairs Chris Lehane, a veteran of Bill Clinton's White House and Airbnb's regulatory battles, is leading efforts to repair the company's reputation amid growing AI backlash. Backlash includes booed commencement speakers and a Molotov cocktail attack on CEO Sam Altman. Lehane advocates a 'calibrated' message avoiding doomerism or utopianism, and points to policy proposals like a four-day work week and AI labor tax. Former employees accuse OpenAI of downplaying risks. Lehane also helped set up pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future, which launched with more than $100 million in funding commitments from tech industry figures, including Brockman.
- Lehane helped launch the pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future with over $100 million in funding commitments.
- OpenAI proposed policies including a four-day work week, expanded healthcare, and a tax on AI-powered labor.
- Former employees quit, accusing OpenAI of turning its economic research unit into an advocacy arm that downplays risks.
Why It Matters
OpenAI's reputation strategy could shape global AI regulation and determine public trust in the technology.