Anthropic, OpenAI CEOs Denounce ICE Violence, Commend Trump
Recent events surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have prompted strong reactions from tech leaders. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, voiced his concerns regarding violence involving Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis during an NBC News segment. He emphasized the significance of safeguarding democratic values in the face of such issues.
Statements from Anthropic and OpenAI CEOs
Amodei, speaking to NBC, highlighted the necessity of defending democracy at home. He condemned the violence in Minnesota, stating that protecting democratic ideals is essential. Importantly, he clarified that Anthropic does not have any contracts with ICE.
In a leaked internal message, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed his disapproval of ICE’s actions. He remarked, “What’s happening with ICE is going too far,” indicating his belief that there is a critical distinction between deporting violent offenders and current actions taken by ICE.
Tech Workers Take Action
Employees from both companies have voiced their demands for action. They urge their executives to call for an end to ICE operations in U.S. cities following recent violent incidents that resulted in the deaths of two American citizens.
- ICEout.tech organizers reported enthusiasm for Amodei’s and Altman’s statements against ICE’s actions.
- They urged other tech leaders, including those from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, to follow suit.
Political Context and Reactions
Both CEOs have received attention for their comments, especially regarding President Trump. Amodei praised Trump for considering an independent investigation into the shootings in Minnesota. Altman expressed hope that Trump would unite the country in response to recent events.
This shift in Altman’s tone is notable, as he previously called Trump a “demagogic hate-monger.” Altman now acknowledges the positive impact of Trump’s administration on the tech sector, which has seen substantial funding. OpenAI recently raised $40 billion and is negotiating for an additional $100 billion, while Anthropic secured $19 billion in funding with further negotiations underway.
Concerns About ICE Policy
Critics argue that Altman’s praise for Trump detracts from his message. J.J. Colao, founder of the PR firm Haymaker Group, highlighted this inconsistency, suggesting that leadership should confront the consequences of ICE’s actions rather than praising the administration.
As the tech industry grapples with these issues, the calls for reform continue to grow. The responses from key tech figures could shape future discussions about immigration policy and corporate responsibility.
Looking Ahead
Whether Amodei and Altman’s public statements will influence their peers remains uncertain. However, their cautious critiques mark a significant moment in the dialogue surrounding tech companies’ roles in social issues.
