Major shifts are underway in U.S. artificial intelligence policy. Sriram Krishnan, the White House AI advisor under President Trump, is stepping down to launch a new institution aimed at shaping the administration's AI strategy from outside the government. This move comes as the White House explores a direct stake in OpenAI and issues a memo putting the most advanced AI systems into military hands.
A new institution for AI policy
Krishnan's departure was confirmed by sources close to the advisor. The new entity, still in its formative stages, is expected to act as an independent policy driver aligned with Trump's vision. By leaving the official administration, Krishnan may gain more flexibility to influence legislation and funding without bureaucratic constraints. The development signals a potential privatization of AI policymaking, with key figures transitioning to external organizations that retain close ties to the White House.
OpenAI deal and military AI memo
In parallel, the Trump administration is reportedly in advanced talks to take a financial stake in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. While details remain unconfirmed, such a move would mark unprecedented government involvement in a leading AI firm. Additionally, a recent presidential memo mandates that the Department of Defense receive access to the world's most advanced AI models and prohibits companies from altering those models without prior approval. This effectively locks the military into specific AI architectures, raising concerns about vendor lock-in and oversight.
A coherent strategic vision
Together, these three developments point to a deliberate effort to consolidate AI power within the executive branch and its allies. Krishnan's new institution could become a key hub for drafting future policies, while the OpenAI stake and military memo provide the financial and operational levers. The implications for tech companies are significant: they must navigate a more assertive government that demands control over AI models used in defense. For context, see our article on Trump administration's OpenAI stake and the broader tech industry shifts.
As the world watches, the U.S. is rapidly building a centralized AI apparatus that blends private innovation with military might. Krishnan's next move will be critical in shaping the rules of engagement for years to come. For further reading, the original report is available on TechCrunch.
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