OpenAI hires ex-Army Secretary, gaining bipartisan reach just as midterms loom

OpenAI is pushing hard to become the go-to AI company for US national security and defense. The company hired Dan Driscoll, the former civilian head of the US Army, as "Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization." The Wall Street Journal reads the move as a clear signal that OpenAI wants closer ties with the military, a bigger share of government contracts, and a seat at the table when rules for AI use in the armed forces and intelligence agencies get written. In his newly created role, Driscoll will work with governments, industry, academia, and US allies to strengthen national security and cyber defense through AI, according to OpenAI. He'll also help OpenAI's teams better understand what security institutions actually need on the ground.