Sam Altman's Business Dealings Face GOP Scrutiny Ahead of OpenAI's IPO

Political Headwinds Before the IPO

As OpenAI edges toward a public offering, Republican members of Congress have opened scrutiny of CEO Sam Altman's personal business dealings, the Wall Street Journal reports. The inquiry adds a political dimension to what is already one of the most anticipated technology IPOs in years.

The Conflict of Interest Question

Lawmakers are examining whether Altman's investments in semiconductors, energy, and real estate — some of which overlap with OpenAI's own supply chain and infrastructure needs — represent conflicts of interest that could affect how the company is run or how its assets are allocated.

Governance Concerns Resurface

The scrutiny echoes the 2023 board crisis that briefly ousted Altman as CEO. Since then, OpenAI has been converting from a nonprofit structure to a for-profit entity, drawing additional regulatory attention across multiple agencies.

IPO Timeline at Risk?

OpenAI has not announced a formal IPO timeline, though market observers widely expect a late-2026 offering. A full congressional investigation could introduce delays or require additional disclosures that complicate the path to listing.