OpenAI to deliver closed-door briefing to Trump team amid speculation of AGI breakthrough.
OpenAI's Chief Executive Officer, Sam Altman, will deliver a behind-closed-doors briefing to Trump administration officials amid speculation that the artificial intelligence research organisation has made a game-changing AGI breakthrough.
Artificial general intelligence (AGI) is a field of theoretical research focusing on the
development of machines with intelligence comparable to or exceeding that of humans.
In recent weeks, the internet has been ablaze with conjecture that a major tech company, likely OpenAI, will shortly announce a revolutionary development that will introduce chatbots (or ‘super agents’) with the ability to engage in “PhD-level thinking”.
A report by Axios described OpenAI staff as “jazzed and spooked by recent progress”.
Altman, however, has chosen to play down the rumours. In a post on X dated 20 January 2025, he condemned the “Twitter hype” as “out of control”. “We are not going to deploy AGI next month,” he stated. “Nor have we built it. We have some very cool stuff for you but please chill and cut your expectations.”
OpenAI instead said the governmental meeting would “preview the state of AI advancement and how it can drive economic growth”.
The speculation comes as new US president Donald Trump laid siege to the previous administration’s vision for America on his first day in office, including rescinding Joe Biden’s executive order aimed at mitigating the risks associated with artificial intelligence for workers, consumers, and national security. The move immediately halts the implementation of key safety requirements for AI companies.
While the repeal marks a tectonic shift in the United States’ approach to AI, it also comes as no surprise. The 2024 Republican Platform called for Biden’s EO to be replaced with “AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing”.
The 47th President of the United States has upheld his election promise regarding AI. Given tech titan Elon Musk is now among Trump’s closest associates, it’s likely this is just the beginning.