Key points
- Chris Lehane proposes five policy priorities including worker protections and data centre development.
- The essay compares AI’s economic impact to the New Deal era reforms of the 1930s.
- Critics argue the proposal lacks mechanisms to hold AI companies accountable for disruption.
OpenAI’s Chris Lehane argues that the 2028 election offers a chance to establish a new social contract for AI, urging politicians to address public concerns and create policies that allow Americans to share in the technology's benefits.reported He argues that politicians must address public concerns about the technology rather than ignoring backlash against infrastructure projects.He wants politicians to create policies that help Americans benefit from AI instead of just opposing it.Lehane proposes a policy framework mirroring the New Deal to manage AI-driven economic shifts ahead of the 2028 election.
The evidence
Lehane likens AI’s capacity to transform the economy to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The New Deal was a series of federal programs and reforms implemented in the 1930s following the collapse of the previous economic system caused by industrialization and the Great Depression.reported Lehane notes that Americans are currently worried about losing control of their economic prospects and encourages lawmakers to identify a viable alternative that enables citizens to benefit from AI. He outlines five policy goals, ranging from worker safeguards and education to AI security and data center expansion.
The decision
Lehane’s essay follows a significant Democratic win in the midterm elections, where the party regained control of Congress as voters expressed broad dissatisfaction with living expenses. Kate Brennan, who heads AI and corporate power policy at the AI Now Institute, told TechCrunch that Lehane’s language represents a significant departure from OpenAI’s previous policy focus on speeding up AI development, lowering regulatory hurdles, and growing infrastructure.
What the evidence means
As expected, several of Lehane’s recommendations would promote broader AI usage and facilitate the infrastructure growth required for firms such as OpenAI to expand. The initial New Deal implemented safeguards for employees and limited corporate authority. It remains uncertain how Lehane’s proposal would ensure AI firms are held responsible for the economic upheaval their technology might cause.
What builders can do with it
Lehane’s proposals would promote broader AI adoption and support the infrastructure expansion that companies like OpenAI require for growth. The essay indicates that AI will likely become a larger part of the political conversation over the next two years. Builders can anticipate increased focus on worker protections and education as part of the policy landscape. Understanding these stated priorities helps teams prepare for potential changes in the regulatory and social environment surrounding AI deployment.
Why it matters
- Policy makers may consider the New Deal metaphor when drafting AI regulations, affecting future legislative approaches.
- Infrastructure expansion remains a key goal for OpenAI, suggesting continued investment in data centres despite local opposition.
- The shift from deregulation to social contract rhetoric signals a new phase in corporate AI advocacy that developers must track.
- Opposition to data centres emerged as a major bipartisan concern in midterms, indicating persistent political friction for infrastructure projects.
Topics: policy, OpenAI, AI regulation, elections, infrastructure
Updated
Then / now / next
OpenAI’s policy agenda last year focused on accelerating development and reducing regulatory barriers.
Chris Lehane advocates for a social contract approach comparing AI to the New Deal era.
AI is expected to become a bigger part of the political conversation over the next two years.
Story timeline
- Then OpenAI’s policy agenda last year focused on accelerating development and reducing regulatory barriers.
- 04 Nov 2026 OpenAI is already trying to shape the 2028 election
- Now Chris Lehane advocates for a social contract approach comparing AI to the New Deal era.
- Next AI is expected to become a bigger part of the political conversation over the next two years.
The strongest doubt
Counterpoint from the sources
Kate Brennan told TechCrunch that invoking the New Deal metaphor is ahistorical because the original deal constrained corporate power, whereas Lehane’s vision lacks clear accountability for AI companies.
Ask the article
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Your choice stays on this device. No public tally.Questions readers ask
What policy priorities does Chris Lehane propose?
He proposes five priorities including worker protections, education, AI safety and data centre development.
How does the AI Now Institute view this essay?
Kate Brennan says it is ahistorical and written by a private company advocating for its own benefit.
What political event preceded this essay?
A Democratic victory in the midterm elections where they flipped control of Congress.
Connected stories
Reading receipt
- Chris Lehane proposes five policy priorities including worker protections and data centre development.
- The essay compares AI’s economic impact to the New Deal era reforms of the 1930s.
- Critics argue the proposal lacks mechanisms to hold AI companies accountable for disruption.
Still open: How will Lehane’s vision specifically hold AI companies accountable for economic disruption?
Still open: Will the proposed policy priorities gain traction in the upcoming political cycle?