The head of OpenAI’s robotics team, Caitlin Kalinowski, has resigned due to the company’s decision to use its AI models in the Pentagon’s classified network. Kalinowski expressed concerns about surveillance of Americans and autonomous weapons without proper oversight. OpenAI acknowledged Kalinowski’s departure and emphasized its commitment to responsible national security AI applications.
Kalinowski, who previously led Meta’s augmented-reality glasses team, joined OpenAI in November 2024. OpenAI recently entered into an agreement with the Pentagon to deploy advanced AI systems in classified environments, with provisions to ensure responsible use and adherence to red lines such as no domestic surveillance and no autonomous weapons.
Following failed negotiations between the Trump administration and Anthropic, OpenAI finalized the deal with the Pentagon. Anthropic, labeled a “Supply Chain Risk (SCR)” by the US government, intends to challenge this designation. The CEO of Anthropic clarified that the SCR designation applies specifically to the use of its Claude models in Department of War contracts.
