OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman has quietly emerged as one of the most significant political donors of 2025, directing a combined $50 million to both Donald Trump’s reelection campaign and a bipartisan AI advocacy group. This move, seemingly at odds with Silicon Valley’s broader political leanings, underscores the high stakes tech leaders are willing to take to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
A Bipartisan Strategy for AI Dominance
Brockman and his wife, Anna, donated $25 million to MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting President Trump, and an equal amount to Leading the Future, an AI-focused super PAC. Leading the Future intends to oppose politicians seen as hindering AI development. According to Brockman, these donations are not driven by ideology but by a belief that accelerating AI’s progress is the most critical mission facing humanity.
“This mission is bigger than companies… bigger than corporate structures,” Brockman told WIRED. “Getting that right and making that benefit everyone is the most important thing.”
This strategy reflects a growing recognition within the AI industry that political influence is essential. As public skepticism toward AI rises – with a recent Pew Research Center survey showing more Americans are concerned than excited – leaders are increasingly willing to fund candidates who champion the technology.
A Shift from Prior Political Activity
Brockman’s donations mark a radical departure from his past political involvement, which was minimal until recently. His largest previous contribution was $5,400 to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. This sudden escalation in spending suggests a calculated effort to exert influence at a pivotal moment for AI regulation.
Backlash and Internal Division
The donations have already triggered backlash, with the QuitGPT movement gaining momentum. The campaign urges ChatGPT users to cancel subscriptions in protest, and has attracted support from figures like actor Mark Ruffalo. Within OpenAI itself, some employees are uneasy with Brockman’s spending, viewing it as excessive.
“I personally think Greg’s political donations probably go beyond what’s strictly necessary,” one anonymous OpenAI researcher said.
Navigating Political Realities in the Trump Era
Brockman’s gamble comes as President Trump has actively courted Silicon Valley, streamlining data center permitting and challenging state-level AI regulations. However, recent incidents involving Department of Homeland Security killings have strained the relationship between the tech industry and the administration. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly expressed concern over ICE actions, while other AI leaders publicly condemned them.
Despite such events, Brockman remains focused on ensuring AI’s advancement, even if it means aligning with controversial political figures. He maintains that AI is a unifying technology, capable of transcending political divisions.
The rise of large-scale political spending by AI leaders signals a new era where technological progress is not just driven by innovation, but also by strategic political influence. The long-term consequences of this trend remain uncertain, but it is clear that the future of AI will be shaped by those willing to play the political game.
