OpenAI Hardware Executive Resigns Over Pentagon Deal, Citing Surveillance and Lethal Autonomy Concerns as ChatGPT Uninstalls Surge 295%

Mar 09, 2026
TechCrunch
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Summary

OpenAI hardware executive Caitlin Kalinowski resigns over a controversial Pentagon deal, warning it enables surveillance of Americans and lethal autonomy without proper safeguards, as ChatGPT uninstalls surge 295% and rival Claude climbs to the top of the App Store.

Key Points

  • OpenAI hardware executive Caitlin Kalinowski resigns over the company's controversial Pentagon deal, citing concerns about surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization.
  • Kalinowski stresses her departure is a governance concern, stating the deal was rushed without clearly defined guardrails, while OpenAI defends the agreement as a responsible path for national security AI use with red lines against domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
  • The Pentagon deal is sparking major backlash, with ChatGPT uninstalls surging 295% and rival Claude climbing to the top of the App Store charts following the announcement.

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