OpenAI and Anthropic have hired former Trump administration officials as artificial intelligence companies seek closer ties with the White House. According to Odaily, Anthropic has appointed at least two former Trump administration officials this year, including one to its board and another as head of frontier compute strategy, while OpenAI has hired at least three former Trump administration officials for roles in strategy and special projects.

Michelle Nie Duncan, a visiting fellow with the Technology and National Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, said companies have recognized that the Trump administration has policy tools that can affect their businesses, including federal procurement, supply-chain risk designations and export controls. She said the companies have learned from Anthropic's experience and understand that maintaining a good relationship with the White House has benefits.