Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, published an essay outlining five policy priorities for the 2028 presidential election. His proposals cover worker protections, education, AI safety, and data center development, framing AI as a tool for economic prosperity.
Lehane compares the potential impact of AI to the New Deal of the 1930s. He suggests tax incentives for AI skill acquisition, easier capital access for entrepreneurs, and new models for employee ownership and profit-sharing.
Regarding data centers, Lehane highlights their potential for job creation and tax revenue. He warns that a moratorium on construction could threaten the competitive position of the United States against China.
The proposed agenda includes age-appropriate protections for minors and the integration of AI in classrooms. Lehane also advocates for enforceable safety standards, independent evaluations, and the implementation of kill switches for AI systems.
Critics, including Kate Brennan from the AI Now Institute, argue that the proposals prioritize the interests of private companies. They note that OpenAI previously opposed state-level safety legislation, such as California's SB 1047 in 2024.
