--- title: "Dan Driscoll hired by OpenAI as senior counselor for national security modernization" url: https://newscentral.site/dan-driscoll-hired-by-openai-as-senior-counselor-for-national/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Business" published: 2026-11-03T21:25:19.000Z updated: 2026-11-04T15:34:14.525Z id: bc315712-3196-43ec-a7c6-25c3a7031720 source: "Fortune https://fortune.com/2026/11/03/openai-hires-former-army-secretary-dan-driscoll-trend-defense-investments/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/dan-driscoll-hired-by-openai-as-senior-counselor-for-national/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Dan Driscoll hired by OpenAI as senior counselor for national security modernization OpenAI has hired Dan Driscoll, former U.S. Army Secretary, as its senior counselor for national security modernization, marking the company's shift towards defense projects. OpenAI has made a significant move into the defense sector by hiring Dan Driscoll, former U.S. Army Secretary, as its senior counselor for national security modernization. Driscoll's new role comes just two months after he left his position at the Pentagon, reportedly due to disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This development suggests that OpenAI is shifting its resources towards defense projects, an area where it sees high demand for AI systems to enhance national security. The company has stated that Driscoll's primary focus will be on using AI responsibly to improve security among the U.S. and its allies. He will also advise public and private sector partners on how to modernize policy and strategy in support of this goal. This hiring is part of a broader trend, according to Gwanhoo Lee, chair of the Department of Information Technology and Analytics at American University's Kogod School of Business. Lee notes that OpenAI has been pouring resources into the defense sector, where it sees significant opportunities for AI systems to bolster national security. By tapping Driscoll, OpenAI is likely seeking to strengthen its relationship with government agencies and expand its business in this area. The appointment of retired U.S. Army General Paul Nakasone to OpenAI's board of directors in June 2024 marked a significant development in the company's shift towards defense projects. OpenAI has been actively seeking partnerships with government agencies and defense firms, as evident from its collaboration with American defense firm Anduril later that year. The partnership aimed at integrating OpenAI's systems with Anduril's database of unmanned drone threats. Mark Driscoll, former U.S. Army Secretary, was a key figure in driving modernization efforts within the federal government during his tenure. He played a crucial role in promoting low-cost battlefield drones and streamlining defense contracting processes for drone development. Driscoll also made significant contributions to international diplomacy, particularly in brokering talks between Ukrainian and European officials in Europe, as well as meeting with Russian officials on a secret trip to the Middle East. The hiring of Driscoll by OpenAI has sparked concerns about a "revolving door problem, where private companies gain access to high-ranking government officials soon after they leave their posts. Driscoll's departure from the Pentagon in September followed a series of senior military official departures, including the ousting of Gen. Randy George and the resignation of Gen. Christopher Donahue, who had championed unmanned drone use in Ukraine. Before joining the Trump administration, Driscoll worked as chief operating officer at venture capital firm Flex Capital and partner at private equity firm 100watt, and served in the US military from 2007 to 2011, including a deployment to Baghdad and Iran in 2009. Critics argue that OpenAI's hiring of Driscoll raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, which could impact government procurement decisions or influence how it chooses private entities for goods and services. Lee notes that if AI companies can poach high-level officials from the Pentagon soon after they leave, it may not be possible to ensure a fair procurement process when those individuals are working with their former colleagues. The increasing reliance of countries on AI systems for both defense and cyberattacks has led to a growing need for effective and cost-efficient technologies that can ensure national safety and infrastructure. As Lee points out, this raises concerns about procurement processes when private sector contracts are awarded based too heavily on social ties rather than merit. When AI companies take on national security risks, it is essential to have clearer rules in place regarding oversight and conflict of interest. This is particularly important as the stakes become higher, with the potential consequences of AI misuse being far-reaching and devastating. OpenAI's hiring of former Army Secretary Driscoll, just two months after leaving the Pentagon, has raised eyebrows about the company's growing involvement in defense projects. While OpenAI maintains that all parties are aware of post-employment restrictions and will comply, some experts remain skeptical. The relationship between OpenAI and the Department of Defense has been a subject of concern for tech policy experts. The company won a $200 million contract in June 2025 to design AI tools addressing national security challenges, sparking worries about safety and privacy. OpenAI's dealings with the Trump administration have also come under scrutiny. In February, the company signed a new deal with the Pentagon to deploy its AI models within secure agency networks. This move followed an ultimatum issued by Hegseth to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, demanding unrestricted use of the rival company's AI technology. The designation of Anthropic as a national security supply chain risk marked the first time such a label was applied to an American company. The decision was made after Trump asked federal agencies to stop using Anthropic's products, following Hegseth's ultimatum and the company's refusal to remove safety guardrails from its AI technology. The deal between OpenAI and the Pentagon included an all lawful use" clause, allowing for broader usage of the company's AI technology within legal confines. Experts have expressed concerns that this agreement leaves room for potential loopholes in US law, particularly regarding the analysis of Americans' data on a large scale. Samir Jain, vice president of policy at the Center for Democracy & Technology, pointed out that buying up commercially available information from third parties and allowing AI to analyze it could effectively amount to mass surveillance. OpenAI has acknowledged these concerns by adding language to its deal with the Department of Defense, stating that its AI system would not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance. --- Source: [Fortune](https://fortune.com/2026/11/03/openai-hires-former-army-secretary-dan-driscoll-trend-defense-investments/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/dan-driscoll-hired-by-openai-as-senior-counselor-for-national/