Democrats are preparing to launch investigations into prominent tech billionaires and their connections to former President Donald Trump, as they gear up to take control of both chambers of Congress in January. These inquiries are expected to focus on issues including artificial intelligence, its impact on jobs, and the vast data centers powering the technology.
According to an NBC News midterm exit poll, AI and data centers were a significant factor for 56 percent of voters when choosing congressional candidates. Senator Ed Markey, a vocal critic of Big Tech who is set to chair a key Senate committee overseeing business, science, and commerce, has indicated plans to scrutinize discriminatory algorithms, workplace AI surveillance, data center impacts, and AI chatbots that may cause harm.
Several influential tech executives who have had close ties with Trump are likely to be among the first to face questioning. This includes Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who reportedly spent over $250 million to support Trump's 2024 presidential election bid and has since invested heavily in Republican-aligned candidates and organizations. Democrats are expected to examine Musk's involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), its impact on federal agencies, and the business dealings of companies connected to him. Reports suggest lawmakers may also investigate Trump's reported use of Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, in planning military operations.
Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg could also face scrutiny. Meta has reportedly been considered for early investigations, with lawmakers interested in nondisclosure agreements related to its data center projects. The company has also been strengthening its political ties by hiring former Democratic staffers.
Amazon founder and chairman Jeff Bezos is another prominent figure in Trump's political orbit. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to a documentary about Melania Trump for $40 million, a move that drew criticism from Democrats who questioned whether it was an attempt to curry favor with the Trump administration. While Bezos has not been specifically named as a target, Amazon's significant influence could lead to renewed congressional attention, similar to the 2020 hearings that involved the heads of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google regarding market dominance.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman may also face pressure as Washington examines the risks and costs associated with the rapid expansion of AI. Concerns about AI's potential consequences for employment, children, and the economy are central to these anticipated investigations. Some Democratic lawmakers, like newly elected Michigan Senator Abdul El-Sayed, have called for a halt in the development of the most powerful AI systems.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who has advised Trump on AI, could also be a subject of interest as lawmakers investigate the industry's influence on government policy. AFP identified both Altman and Huang as possible witnesses in future congressional hearings.
The scrutiny of the tech industry is not solely a Democratic initiative. Conservative voices have also raised concerns about the rapid expansion of technology. Greg Casar, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has called for AI company CEOs to testify under oath. Daniel Cochrane, a senior fellow at the conservative Institute for Family Studies, stated that voters are "primed to reward whichever political party delivers on holding Big Tech accountable," citing concerns about AI's social and economic effects.
However, some caution against viewing the election results as a wholesale rejection of the technology industry. Adam Kovacevich, chief executive of Chamber of Progress, noted, "Let's not confuse an anti-Trump wave with an anti-tech mandate." Despite this, industry analysts suggest that the rapid expansion of data centers may face challenges, with an estimated 10 percent of planned new facilities potentially not proceeding.