OpenAI has stopped pressing for new restrictions on exports of advanced AI chips to China, POLITICO reported on Oct. 20, citing Capitol Hill aides and lobbyists with direct knowledge of its positioning. Supporters hope to add chip restrictions to the National Defense Authorization Act after the midterm election, the outlet reports.
POLITICO says OpenAI's March 2025 comments on the national AI strategy supported keeping China under “strict export controls” and proposed restricting additional chips and components. Its account of a June 2026 framework says OpenAI called to “strengthen export controls” without naming China. An anonymous congressional aide told the outlet OpenAI officials “were with us on this and now their position is a bit more fuzzy.”
Aides who had counted on OpenAI's support worry the pullback helps Nvidia, which is fighting the proposed limits, POLITICO reports. The outlet also says OpenAI relies on Nvidia chips to build and deliver its AI models. Miles Brundage called the issue “Concerning” in a quote-post of a post by hamandcheese. He argued that what OpenAI does on this policy front is “Arguably” more important for US competitiveness than its near-term product launches.
OpenAI has not disavowed export controls. A spokesperson told POLITICO that a “substantial lead in advanced chips is key” for US labs and “effective export control policies are one part of that broader strategy.” The spokesperson did not address the outlet's questions about meetings with lawmakers or Trump administration officials; Nvidia declined to comment.
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