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

The federal government's procurement of AI technology may become more competitive, impacting which companies win significant contracts.

OpenAI has hired Dan Driscoll, former Secretary of the US Army, as its Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization. This strategic move aims to bolster OpenAI's position in the defense sector and secure more government contracts. Driscoll is expected to leverage his extensive connections within Congress and the military to advance OpenAI's national security and cyber defense initiatives through AI. His prior role overseeing AI modernization in the Army provides him with direct experience in military AI procurement and operational needs. The hiring follows OpenAI's successful Pentagon contract acquisition in February 2026, which came shortly after rival Anthropic was reportedly excluded due to issues with surveillance and weapons restrictions.

OpenAI's recruitment of a high-profile figure like Dan Driscoll signals an aggressive push to embed its AI solutions within national security frameworks. This move positions OpenAI not just as a technology provider, but as a strategic partner in defense modernization, potentially influencing future AI policy and procurement standards for the military and intelligence communities. The company's previous success in securing a classified networks contract, contrasted with Anthropic's exclusion, highlights the complex interplay of technological capability and policy alignment in this lucrative market.

Driscoll's dual connections to the Army's AI modernization efforts and bipartisan political circles suggest OpenAI is aiming for a comprehensive strategy that spans technological implementation and regulatory engagement. This could accelerate the adoption of AI in defense by bridging the gap between cutting-edge capabilities and the specific needs and security concerns of government agencies. The timing, just before midterm elections, may also indicate an effort to establish stronger governmental relationships regardless of potential political shifts, ensuring continued access and influence.