Former Trump Army secretary lands new job at tech company

Former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is joining the artificial intelligence company OpenAI in a national security-related role, the organization announced on Monday. 

“Dan Driscoll will join OpenAI as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization, working with senior leadership and external partners to advise on how advanced AI can strengthen national and cybersecurity, with a particular focus on working with U.S. allies to advance its responsible use,” the organization noted.

“In this newly created role, Dan will work with OpenAI teams and leaders across governments, industry, academia and allied institutions to advance practical modernization initiatives that support the buildout of democratic AI. He will also help internal OpenAI teams understand the operational needs of global national security institutions.”

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Driscoll, who became Army secretary last year under the Trump administration, departed the military post in September 2026. 

Driscoll also served as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) during parts of 2025 and 2026. His service in the two posts overlapped for a period of time earlier this year.

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“I’ve spent much of my career in public service, first as a Soldier and most recently as Secretary of the Army and Acting Director of ATF,” Driscoll said in the OpenAI announcement. 

“The people who serve deserve the very best tools we can put in their hands. National security requirements are changing faster than at any time in the past fifty years. This technology will help them keep pace by cutting through paperwork, making sense of more information, and getting the right answer to the right person faster.

“I’m joining OpenAI to help the United States and our allies put this technology to work responsibly, for the people who keep us safe.”

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, “AI should give people more power over their lives, and people should have a say in how it’s developed. The U.S. has an extraordinary opportunity to work with other countries to spread the adoption of democratic AI, and I’m excited to welcome Dan Driscoll to OpenAI to strengthen American leadership and help us do that.”