Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has become a central figure in the global conversation about artificial intelligence (AI), often engaging with political leaders to discuss the technology’s future and its societal impact. In a recent appearance on the Hard Fork Podcast, Altman offered a candid assessment of President Donald Trump’s understanding of AI, noting that Trump “really gets it” when it comes to the technology’s importance, economic potential, and geopolitical implications.

Altman’s perspective is informed by years of direct interaction with policymakers and industry leaders. Since co-founding OpenAI in 2015, Altman has guided the organization through rapid growth and unprecedented technological achievements, including the launch of ChatGPT and DALL-E. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to responsible innovation and a willingness to engage with governments worldwide, as demonstrated by his extensive meetings with heads of state and his testimony before the U.S. Senate on AI oversight.

Reflecting on his conversations with Trump, Altman emphasized not only the president’s grasp of AI’s transformative potential, but also the practical steps taken to support the industry. He pointed out that permitting for data centers and new energy projects — critical infrastructure for AI development — has become “easier than it has ever been before,” crediting Trump’s administration for facilitating these changes. Altman noted that such regulatory shifts “could have gone the other way,” suggesting that government action has played a significant role in enabling the rapid expansion of domestic AI capabilities.

This view aligns with Altman’s broader philosophy that effective leadership and public policy are essential to harnessing AI’s benefits and managing its risks. Throughout his career, Altman has advocated for proactive engagement with regulators and transparent dialogue about AI’s societal implications. His background as a serial entrepreneur, former president of Y Combinator, and investor in technology startups has equipped him to navigate both the technological and political dimensions of AI’s rise.

Under Altman’s stewardship, OpenAI has secured major investments, including a multi-billion-dollar partnership with Microsoft (MSFT), and has consistently pushed the boundaries of what AI systems can achieve. His comments on the podcast reflect a pragmatic approach to leadership — recognizing the value of productive conversations with policymakers, regardless of political affiliation, and the tangible impact of government decisions on the technology sector.

As AI continues to reshape industries and economies, Altman’s insights underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between the private sector and government. His recognition of Trump’s contributions to AI infrastructure highlights a broader trend: the increasing role of public policy in shaping the trajectory of advanced technologies. For Altman, fostering these relationships remains essential to OpenAI’s mission of ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.