CNBC4 hours agoTech2 min read

OpenAI hires former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for national security role

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OpenAI has hired former U.S.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as senior counselor for national security modernization, a newly created role focused on strengthening U.S. national security and cybersecurity through AI, helping allies adopt advanced AI responsibly, and advancing OpenAI's "democratic AI" initiative.

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Why It Matters

Dan Driscoll stepped down as U.S. Army Secretary earlier this year after months of reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. An Iraq war veteran, he pushed efforts to modernize the U.S. military, including expanding access to drone and counter-drone technologies among U.S. allies. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv in November 2025 to discuss a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia.

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OpenAI has hired former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as senior counselor for national security modernization, a newly created role at the company.

Driscoll will focus on how artificial intelligence can be used to strengthen U.S. national security and cybersecurity, OpenAI said, while his updated LinkedIn profile also lists his new position.

He will work with OpenAI's senior leadership and external partners, with a particular focus on helping U.S. allies adopt advanced AI responsibly.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the U.S. has "an extraordinary opportunity to work with other countries to spread the adoption of democratic AI," and that Driscoll's appointment would help strengthen American leadership in the technology.

"National security requirements are changing faster than at any time in the past fifty years," Driscoll said. He added that AI could help reduce paperwork, process information and deliver answers more quickly to those working in national security.

The appointment comes after Driscoll stepped down as Army secretary earlier this year after months of reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

An Iraq war veteran, Driscoll pushed efforts to modernize the U.S. military, including expanding access to drone and counter-drone technologies among U.S. allies, according to a previous U.S. Army announcement.

Driscoll also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv in November 2025 to discuss a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia, according to a statement from the Presidential Office of Ukraine.

At OpenAI, Driscoll will work with government officials, industry leaders, academic institutions and allied organizations to advance what the company calls "democratic AI." He will also help internal teams understand the operational needs of national security institutions, building on OpenAI's efforts to strengthen cyber resilience and protect essential services through its Daybreak program.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

OpenAI will deepen partnerships with U.S. national security institutions and allied governments on AI adoption.
Likely · Within months
OpenAI's Daybreak program will expand its cyber resilience and essential services protection efforts.
Possible · Within months

Open Questions

What specific responsibilities will Driscoll's newly created role entail at OpenAI?
How will OpenAI's "democratic AI" initiative be operationalized under Driscoll's leadership?
What is the nature of the reported tensions between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Hegseth that led to his departure?