Chris Lehane

OpenAI confirmed it is on track to launch its first hardware device before the end of 2026, though the device type and exact launch date remain undisclosed.

“Chief Global Affairs Officer confirmed OpenAI is on track to debut its first hardware device before end of 2026”

Trump's AI Czar David Sacks accuses Anthropic of executing a regulatory capture strategy through fear-mongering to push policies that benefit the company while stifling startup competitors.

“Chief Global Affairs Officer expressing support for California's AI safety bill”

“Called the data center debate 'democracy in action' and led OpenAI's effort to rebrand data centers as 'AI compute campuses' for better community relations.”

“OpenAI's top lobbyist who serves as a key surrogate and public figure in industry regulatory advocacy.”

“Helped found pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future; underestimated backlash from staff and safety community.”

“Helped set up the Leading the Future super PAC following a model pioneered for crypto industry.”

“A veteran political operative and former communications and policy role at Airbnb hired by OpenAI to be its vice president of global affairs.”

“Published blog post on advancing industry-led standards and voluntary efforts for AI safety.”

“Had encouraging conversation with Amy Klobuchar on Senate AI safety bill; stated OpenAI prepared to support any federal AI safety effort that could pass”

“Lehane told reporters that OpenAI, Anthropic and Google DeepMind have been coordinating on AI safety for several weeks and do not need a government antitrust waiver to do so.”

“Wrote blog post on OpenAI website agreeing that voluntary transparency from AI companies is insufficient and calling for independent verification.”

“One lawsuit alleges Lehane helped stop a police referral related to Tumbler Ridge shooting; OpenAI denies the claim.”

“Chris Lehane, OpenAI's global affairs chief, worked with Joshua Achiam to advocate for government regulations aligned with OpenAI's mission.”

“Told reporters after G7 summit about coalescing support for creating a forum for democratic countries to establish AI standards.”

“Said non-US G7 leaders acknowledged the US could play lead role in establishing AI standards.”

“Lehane has maintained that hardware devices remain a top priority for OpenAI through 2026.”

“TBPN will report to Chris Lehane within OpenAI's strategy organization.”

“Announced at WEF Davos that OpenAI is on track to unveil its first physical device in the second half of 2026.”

OpenAI requested the Trump administration expand the Chips Act's Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit tax credit to cover data centers, electrical grid components, and AI servers to lower infrastructure costs.

“Wrote a letter to the White House advocating for expanding the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit to cover AI infrastructure including data centers and servers.”