News · eGov
OpenAI has recruited former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as a senior adviser and is privately circulating AI policy memos to prospective 2028 presidential candidates, signalling a deepening push into Washington politics.
✦ AI SUMMARY 30-second read
- Dan Driscoll, a former U.S. Army Secretary and Iraq War veteran, joins OpenAI as senior adviser for national security modernization.
- OpenAI's head of global affairs sent private AI policy memos to six prospective 2028 presidential candidates, as well as lawmakers and political strategists.
- Analysts say OpenAI is positioning itself ahead of a presidential race in which AI regulation could become a central issue.
Why it matters: OpenAI's simultaneous hire of a senior military official and outreach to 2028 candidates signals that AI governance is becoming a front-line political issue in the United States.
This summary was generated by AI. Editors may review and update it.
OpenAI has hired Dan Driscoll, a former U.S. Army Secretary and Iraq War veteran, as its senior adviser for national security modernization. The appointment was reported on 2 November.
Separately, OpenAI's head of global affairs, Chris Lehane, has sent private memos on AI policy to six prospective presidential candidates, along with some lawmakers and political strategists, as the company moves to shape the 2028 policy agenda at an early stage.
Analysts view both moves as part of a broader effort by OpenAI to entrench itself in Washington as AI regulation emerges as a potential flashpoint in the next U.S. presidential election.
What was announced
OpenAI confirmed the recruitment of Driscoll, whose role will focus on national security modernization. OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman said the hire would help strengthen U.S. leadership in AI.
Driscoll resigned from the Army Secretary post in August after clashing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the dismissal of Army generals. During his tenure at the Pentagon, he pushed initiatives to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and improve interoperability between weapons systems.
Political connections and the 2028 race
Driscoll is noted to have a close relationship with Vice President JD Vance, who is regarded as a leading Republican contender for the 2028 presidential election. Should Vance launch a presidential campaign, Driscoll could play a significant role in his campaign organisation.
On the same day as the Driscoll appointment was reported, it emerged that Lehane had circulated private memos urging prospective candidates to articulate a comprehensive AI policy philosophy, rather than simply adopting a position for or against regulation. The memos were sent to six prospective presidential candidates, as well as lawmakers and political strategists.
What it means for India and global AI governance
The direction of U.S. AI policy carries global consequences, including for countries such as India that are building their own AI frameworks and seeking partnerships with American technology companies.
OpenAI's early engagement with prospective U.S. leaders suggests that the regulatory and strategic contours of artificial intelligence could be substantially influenced by the outcome of the 2028 presidential race.
What happens next
It remains to be seen how the candidates who received Lehane's memos will respond, and whether Driscoll's appointment accelerates OpenAI's engagement with U.S. defence and national security institutions.
Elets will update this story as developments unfold.