OpenAI is intensifying its lobbying efforts with the Trump administration, advocating for accelerated AI development and minimal regulatory barriers.
While OpenAI is advocating for lighter regulations to accelerate AI growth, the future of AI policy in the U.S. remains uncertain.
In February, the Trump administration opened public consultations on its AI Action Plan, aiming to balance rapid technological development with national security and economic objectives. However, the absence of clear regulatory frameworks raises concerns about ethical risks and long-term oversight.
OpenAI’s lobbying reflects a strategic pivot towards advocating for faster AI development with fewer regulatory restrictions. This shift aligns with the Trump administration’s lighter regulatory approach.
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, visited the White House last week and has held multiple discussions with officials from the Trump administration regarding AI policy. He anticipates that a comprehensive strategy will be unveiled by the summer.
Lehane told Axios in an interview that was time to accelerate AI policy. “There’s a real focus from the administration on developing an AI strategy to ensure U.S. economic competitiveness and national security are prioritized,” Lehane said. “Our work stream is intersecting with where the administration is going.”
In is “AI in America” policy blueprint released in January, OpenAI already emphasized the need for federal consistency in AI regulations to avoid fragmented policies that could hinder competitiveness.
The blueprint proposed the creation of “AI Economic Zones,” specialized regions aimed at fostering localized AI innovation in key industries like energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
These zones would not only streamline infrastructure development but also generate skilled jobs and ensure that technological advancements contribute directly to local economies. For instance, Texas could lead advancements in AI-driven energy solutions, leveraging its resources to drive sustainable energy development for AI infrastructure.
OpenAI’s strategy reflects its broader push for infrastructure independence and coincides with SoftBank’s recent $40 billion investment in the company, a financial shift reshaping OpenAI’s operational path and accelerating its expansion in the U.S.
Lehane underscored the risks of inconsistent regulations, stating in January, “That would just create real dissonance, both on a national security and economic competitiveness front.”
Lehane also advocated for tighter export controls, warning that failing to safeguard advanced AI technologies could undermine U.S. global influence. He questioned, “Are those countries going to be building on U.S. rails or are they going to be building on C.C.P. rails?”
SoftBank and the Stargate Project Reshape OpenAI’s Strategic Direction
SoftBank announced a $40 billion investment in OpenAI on February 7, surpassing Microsoft as the company’s previous largest investor.
The deal, which values OpenAI at $300 billion post-money, is aimed at driving OpenAI’s infrastructure expansion and reducing reliance on Microsoft Azure for compute resources. This investment marks a shift in OpenAI’s bid for broader infrastructure independence.
SoftBank’s investment is closely tied to the Stargate Project, a $500 billion initiative aimed at expanding AI infrastructure across the U.S. by 2029. Announced on January 21 and backed by President Trump, the project seeks to establish large-scale data centers, chip manufacturing facilities, and AI research hubs.
The first phase includes a $100 billion investment in Texas, aimed at strengthening local infrastructure and supporting OpenAI’s broader push for compute independence.
Historically reliant on Microsoft Azure, OpenAI is now pursuing diversification. While Microsoft retains priority access through a “right of first refusal” clause, this arrangement allows OpenAI to explore alternative providers if Microsoft cannot meet its compute needs.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella previously downplayed concerns over OpenAI’s evolving cloud strategy, stating, “OpenAI APIs are exclusive to Azure going forward even, so nothing changes there… OpenAI has committed to Azure in a very significant way.”
However, with SoftBank’s growing involvement, Microsoft’s once-exclusive role in OpenAI’s compute strategy appears to be diminishing.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son emphasized the national security implications of the project, describing Stargate as “a strategic capability to protect the national security of America and its allies.”
The project also aligns with broader U.S. economic goals, promoting domestic infrastructure development and job creation, and reinforcing America’s competitive positioning in the global AI race.
Rising Infrastructure Costs and Competitive Pressures Shape OpenAI’s Strategy
OpenAI’s drive for infrastructure independence is shaped by mounting operational costs and growing competition within the AI sector. The company reported a $5 billion loss in 2024, with annual compute expenses projected to surpass $9.5 billion by 2026.
To mitigate these costs, OpenAI is developing custom AI chips through partnerships with TSMC and Broadcom. These chips, expected by 2026, are aimed at reducing reliance on Nvidia GPUs and lowering long-term operational expenses.
In the short term, OpenAI has secured a $12 billion, five-year agreement with CoreWeave to enhance its cloud computing capacity. This move strengthens OpenAI’s infrastructure diversification, reducing reliance on Azure and ensuring the availability of compute resources for advanced AI model development.
The CoreWeave partnership also aligns with OpenAI’s broader strategy of expanding access to flexible, scalable cloud services, an essential factor for supporting projects like Stargate and ensuring long-term operational autonomy.
OpenAI is also addressing the escalating energy demands of AI infrastructure. CEO Sam Altman and Softbank, both significant investors in Helion Energy, advocate for nuclear fusion as a scalable energy solution to power future AI systems.
Helion, which is also backed by Microsoft, aims to establish the world’s first commercial fusion power plant by 2028. This initiative reflects OpenAI’s long-term commitment to sustainable energy solutions that can meet the increasing power requirements of expansive AI infrastructure.
Geopolitical Tensions and National Security Concerns Drive Strategic Decisions
OpenAI’s strategic push is deeply influenced by concerns over China’s growing influence in AI technology. The company has consistently warned that without decisive U.S. action, developing nations may align with China-backed AI infrastructure, creating long-term strategic vulnerabilities.
This concern is echoed in recently increased U.S. export control measures targeting China’s access to advanced AI technologies, reflecting a broader strategy to protect national security interests.
SoftBank’s decision to withdraw from DeepSeek AI exemplifies these shifting dynamics. The company’s move was not only a response to regulatory scrutiny but also a strategic alignment with U.S. and Japanese security frameworks.
Regulatory actions in the U.S. have led to DeepSeek bans across multiple states and federal agencies, reinforcing the national security risks associated with Chinese AI models.
The alignment of SoftBank’s investments with U.S. and Japanese AI strategies reflects a broader geopolitical reconfiguration, emphasizing the strategic importance of securing AI infrastructure that aligns with allied nations’ security priorities.
Regulatory Uncertainty Shapes AI’s Future Path in the U.S.
OpenAI’s lobbying aligns with this regulatory shift, advocating for flexible frameworks that prioritize speed and innovation. However, experts have cautioned that reduced oversight could lead to ethical and security challenges, particularly in sectors involving sensitive data or national security interests. As policy discussions progress, the challenge remains in crafting regulations that protect ethical standards while supporting technological leadership.
These ongoing debates highlight the complexities facing U.S. AI regulation. How these policies evolve will influence not only OpenAI’s infrastructure strategy but also its position in the broader competitive landscape of global AI development.
