OpenAI CFO says data-center expansion will continue despite midterm scrutiny

OpenAI will proceed with its US data-center expansion despite this week's Democratic midterm sweep, which raised concerns about increased regulatory scrutiny, CFO Sarah Friar told CNBC on Friday. Friar said OpenAI will continue investing to meet customer demand and build community relationships to secure necessary computing resources. The company announced it will drop non-disclosure agreements with public officials and share construction plans with residents to address growing local opposition. Data-center scrutiny was a key midterm issue, with Democratic candidates like Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa pledging tighter oversight. The election outcome wiped about $2.5 trillion off US stocks Thursday, though tech giants remain committed to expansion, and OpenAI is also raising fresh capital after 70% quarterly business growth.