The article from The New York Times details Sam Altman's strategic maneuvering to gain influence within the Trump administration regarding artificial intelligence, successfully positioning OpenAI at the forefront of national A.I. initiatives. Despite being overshadowed at Trump’s inauguration by tech giants like Elon Musk, Altman laid the groundwork for a $100 billion A.I. infrastructure project known as Stargate, securing its announcement shortly after the inauguration. Through a series of calculated engagements and leverage of relationships with key Trump allies, Altman was able to shift the focus from Musk and integrate OpenAI into crucial discussions about the future of A.I. in the U.S., showcasing his adaptability and long-standing experience in Silicon Valley’s power dynamics.

Key Points:

• Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, called Donald Trump before the inauguration to discuss a significant A.I. project.
• The Stargate project was announced just after Trump took office, positioning OpenAI as a key player in A.I. infrastructure.
• Altman strategically navigated relationships with Trump allies, such as Governor Doug Burgum and Oracle's Larry Ellison, to enhance OpenAI's influence.
• Despite being a vocal critic of Trump and competing with Musk, Altman managed to win Trump’s favor.
• The article highlights the rivalry between Altman and Musk, particularly Musk's attempts to undermine Altman's initiatives.
• Following Trump's election, Altman adjusted his political contributions, supporting both Democratic and Republican campaigns to hedge risks.
• Concerns about necessary infrastructure and investor support for Stargate emerged as OpenAI sought massive funding in a competitive environment.
  Link to Article