**Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennet Accuse OpenAI’s Sam Altman of Seeking ‘Favors’ from Trump After $1 Million Donation**
Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) have raised concerns about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural committee, accusing the longtime Democratic donor of attempting to gain political advantages from the incoming administration.
In a letter addressed to Altman, the senators alleged, “You have a clear and direct interest in obtaining favors from the incoming administration: your company and other Big Tech donors are already under federal investigation and facing regulatory scrutiny.”
They further criticized the broader tech industry, claiming, “Big Tech companies appear to be working to curry favor and sidestep regulations—benefiting billionaire tech executives while harming American consumers.”
Warren and Bennet also questioned whether the donation reflected a broader issue of corruption and undue corporate influence on the Trump administration.
Altman, known for his extensive financial support of Democratic candidates, responded to the letter by sharing it on X (formerly Twitter). “Funny, they never sent me one of these for contributing to Democrats…” he remarked, highlighting his history of donations primarily to Democratic causes.
Newsweek previously reported that Altman has contributed to hundreds of Democrats and only one Republican. His personal donation to Trump’s inaugural committee, he clarified, was made independently of any business decision by OpenAI. “The donation was a personal contribution as you state; I am confused about the questions given that my company did not make a decision,” he wrote.
Altman confirmed plans to attend Trump’s inauguration, scheduled for Monday, despite the controversy surrounding his contribution.
Warren and Bennet’s accusations suggest suspicions of a quid pro quo arrangement, sparking broader debate over the influence of corporate money and political donations on government policy.