A congressional leader has accused China of trying to exploit America’s political system. This accusation follows OpenAI’s revelation that China-linked actors used ChatGPT to create content influencing discussions on US tariffs and AI infrastructure expansion. Rep. John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, emphasized China’s efforts to manipulate public debates in the US.
Moolenaar expressed concerns about China’s attempts to influence discussions on critical topics like data centers. He highlighted the importance of transparency and open dialogue in a democratic society. The Chinese government’s exploitation of America’s open society to sow division was underscored by Moolenaar.
OpenAI’s threat report from June 2026 revealed that ChatGPT accounts linked to China were engaged in covert influence operations. These operations targeted debates on American AI policy and technology competition. The report detailed two specific campaigns, one focusing on data centers and the other on US tariffs and technology dominance.
The campaigns aimed to shape narratives around US technology policies and economic concerns. Despite limited online impact, the operations sought to connect foreign actors to domestic debates on AI, energy costs, and technological competition. Moolenaar pledged to investigate potential foreign influence efforts related to data center development further.
Competition between the US and China in artificial intelligence is escalating, with both countries heavily investing in AI infrastructure and advanced technologies. The strategic significance of AI in economic growth and national security has heightened the rivalry between the two global powers.
