Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, sent an internal Slack message to employees urging staff to address what he described as excessive government overreach by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The note, reported by the New York Times, stated: “We are going to continue to try to figure out how to actually do the right thing as best as we can, engage with leaders and push for our values, and speak up clearly about it as needed.”
Altman emphasized his support for U.S. democratic principles while criticizing ICE’s actions, writing: “I love the U.S. and its values of democracy and freedom and will be supportive of the country however I can. But part of loving the country is the American duty to push back against overreach. What’s happening with ICE is going too far.” He also praised President Donald Trump, stating: “President Trump is a very strong leader, and I hope he will rise to this moment and unite the country.”
The message was sent to employees following the lethal shooting of anti-ICE agitator Alex Pretti on Saturday. Altman reaffirmed OpenAI’s commitment to principles over political trends, adding: “We didn’t become super woke when that was popular… we are not going to make a lot of performative statements now about safety or politics.” The CEO maintained the company would prioritize “doing the right thing” while engaging with leadership.
