OpenAI and Anthropic ramp up Washington lobbying and open offices

In short: OpenAI and Anthropic are putting more money and staff into Washington to shape how the US government regulates AI.

What's going on

OpenAI and Anthropic, two leading AI companies, are increasing their presence in Washington, D.C. The New York Times reports they are opening offices there and hiring lobbyists, which are paid advocates who try to influence lawmakers.

Public lobbying filings show a sharp rise in spending. Anthropic reported $1.6 million in lobbying in the first three months of 2026, up from $360,000 in the same period in 2025. OpenAI reported $1 million in the first three months of 2026, up from $560,000 a year earlier.

The companies are focusing on a wide set of topics that lawmakers are debating. These include national security, export controls (rules about what technology can be sold to other countries), and government buying of AI tools. OpenAI has also lobbied on copyright, cybersecurity, and the computer infrastructure needed to run AI systems, like large data centers (warehouses full of computers).

What to watch

Washington is deciding big questions about AI, like what safety rules should apply and what limits should exist on selling advanced AI-related technology abroad. More lobbying can mean these companies get a louder voice in those decisions, similar to how large industries have long tried to shape rules that affect them. Watch for new federal proposals on AI safety, energy use for data centers, and copyright disputes, and for how often OpenAI and Anthropic are mentioned in hearings and policy plans.

Source: NYTimes