ChainThink reports that James Comer, Republican Congressman and Chair of the U.S. House Oversight Committee, has sent a letter to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman requesting disclosure of information regarding potential conflicts of interest between his personal investments and OpenAI.
The investigation focused on Altman’s extensive personal investment network; since Altman does not hold equity in OpenAI, his estimated $3.5 billion net worth primarily stems from his personal investment portfolio, including companies such as Helion, Stripe, and Reddit.
According to prior reports from The Wall Street Journal, Altman previously advocated for OpenAI to invest $500 million in the fusion company Helion, and he has personally invested at least $375 million in the company.
Comer said the move has raised concerns that Altman may be using OpenAI to boost the valuation of his personally held companies.
Additionally, attorneys general from states including Florida, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, West Virginia, and Louisiana have sent letters to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, requesting an investigation into whether Altman engaged in "self-dealing" and serious conflicts of interest.
Altman will testify in the case where Musk sues OpenAI on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Musk accuses Altman and OpenAI's co-founders of breaching their initial commitment to a nonprofit organization by shifting OpenAI toward a for-profit operation.
Although the conflict of interest investigation and Musk's lawsuit are separate matters, Altman's personal investments have been repeatedly referenced during the trial.
OpenAI Board Chair Bret Taylor defended Altman during the trial, stating that he has been "always open and transparent" regarding personal investments.