Taylor Swift’s New Orleans concert over the weekend brought together a diverse group of fans, including Katrina Mulligan, who leads national security policy and partnerships at OpenAI, and Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth. In a photo posted on LinkedIn, Mulligan can be seen wearing heart-shaped glasses while Wormuth sports a mirror-ball cowboy hat inspired by Swift. Mulligan described the concert as “EPIC” in her post, but the optics of a senior government official socializing with an advisor to an AI company that has recently begun competing for government contracts raised some eyebrows.
OpenAI, the world’s largest AI company valued at $157 billion, has been aggressively targeting Pentagon contracts after removing a clause in its usage terms banning applications for “military and warfare” in January. The Intercept reported that the Pentagon had entered into a contract with Microsoft to use OpenAI applications, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. U.S. Army spokesperson, Colonel Randee Farrell, clarified that Wormuth attended the concert in her personal capacity and at her own expense, emphasizing that her friendship with Mulligan dates back to their time working together at the Pentagon.
While the Army currently has no contracts with OpenAI, the close relationship between Wormuth and Mulligan has raised concerns about ethics and potential conflicts of interest. Kathleen Clark, a law professor focusing on government ethics, noted that competitors of OpenAI may question whether Wormuth should recuse herself from decision-making involving the company due to her personal connection with Mulligan. Despite the potential optics issue, OpenAI continues to expand its presence in the government sector, including forming a partnership with contractor Carahsoft to sell its products to federal agencies, including the Pentagon.
Wormuth, who became Army Secretary in May 2021, has been a strong advocate for AI adoption in the military, emphasizing the importance of data-centric decision-making on the battlefield. As the Pentagon explores the use of AI-powered technologies, OpenAI has been positioning itself to capitalize on the growing interest in generative AI applications. The company has appointed key figures with government and security backgrounds to its team, including former NSA director Paul Nakasone and ex-White House official as its chief economist, signaling its commitment to engaging with democratic institutions.
Mulligan’s transition to OpenAI coincided with the company’s shift in policy towards working with the Pentagon, showcasing her strong background in national security and government affairs. As a former Chief of Staff to Secretary Wormuth, Mulligan brings valuable experience in public policy, strategic communications, and legislative affairs to her role at OpenAI. Her social media posts, including those celebrating her connection with Wormuth and her attendance at the Taylor Swift concert, have generated support from her colleagues at OpenAI, demonstrating their excitement and encouragement for her work in government partnerships.
The intersection of government, technology, and entertainment at the Taylor Swift concert highlights the complexities of modern-day relationships and partnerships in a rapidly evolving industry. As OpenAI continues to navigate the government contracting space and expand its influence in the AI sector, questions of ethics, transparency, and potential conflicts of interest will remain crucial in shaping the future of AI integration in government operations. With the support of industry experts, legal scholars, and government officials, the dialogue surrounding AI ethics and governance will likely continue to evolve as technology continues to play a significant role in shaping our society and security landscape.
