Sam Altman

Reacted positively to Trump's H-1B fee hike to $100,000 in September 2025, saying "We need to get the smartest people in the country, and streamlining that process seems good to me." Critics noted this position favored large companies like OpenAI over smaller startups unable to afford the steep fee.

Long-time advocate for high-skill immigration reform. Called reform "one of the easiest policy wins" for the US. In September 2025 expressed measured support for Trump's $100,000 H-1B fee, saying "streamlining that process and also outlining financial incentives seems good to me" — framing higher costs as a merit filter. Previously stated the US should embrace immigrants who want to come: "embracing them is the key to keeping it that way."

Made $1M personal donation to Trump inaugural fund, joining Bezos and Zuckerberg.

Sam Altman personally donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund in December 2024, stating "President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI."

OpenAI silent on Gaza while partnering with Anduril. No public stance on Palestinian workers fired from tech. Microsoft partnership fuels Israeli military AI.

Left OpenAI safety committee in September 2024. Safety committee became independent board after departures of employees who raised safety concerns.

Sam Altman GPT alignment criticized from both sides. Content policies debated. Evolving approach.

Donated to both parties. Testified before Congress on AI regulation. Worldcoin project raises privacy concerns. Fired then rehired in board coup.

Sam Altman chaotic leadership style. Board fired him then workers threatened to quit. High compensation though.

Met with Israeli President Herzog in 2023, said Israel will have "huge role" in AI. Praised Israeli "talent density" and "relentlessness." Invested in Israeli AI startup Apex.

Sam Altman testified on AI safety. But pushed rapid deployment. GPT-4 safety team conflicts.

Publicly advocates for AI regulation and safety. But also pushes rapid deployment.