OpenAI President Greg Brockman Defends $25 Million Trump Donation as Pro-AI Advocacy

Summary

OpenAI president and cofounder Greg Brockman donated $25 million to MAGA Inc, a pro-Trump super PAC, in September 2025, marking a dramatic shift from his minimal prior political involvement. In an interview with WIRED, Brockman defended the donation as aligned with OpenAI's mission to benefit humanity, citing declining public sentiment toward AI and the need to support pro-AI politicians. He and his wife also gave $25 million to Leading the Future, a bipartisan AI-focused super PAC, with another $25 million pledged for 2026.

The donations have sparked significant backlash both externally and within OpenAI. The QuitGPT movement, calling for ChatGPT subscription cancellations in protest, has gained over 700,000 supporters, including actor Mark Ruffalo. Inside the company, some employees have expressed concern that Brockman's political spending goes beyond what's necessary for OpenAI's business interests, though the company maintains the donations are purely personal.

Brockman, whose largest previous donation was $5,400 to Hillary Clinton in 2016, argues that supporting AI development transcends corporate boundaries. He framed his political engagement as supporting "team humanity" rather than partisan politics, despite channeling tens of millions exclusively to Trump-aligned organizations. OpenAI has emphasized that the donations reflect the Brockmans' personal focus on AI policy rather than the company's official stance.

• Some OpenAI employees believe Brockman's political spending exceeds what's necessary for the company's interests, creating internal tension
• Brockman defends the donations as supporting pro-AI politicians amid declining public sentiment toward artificial intelligence