OpenAI pushes ahead with US data-center expansion despite regulatory fears, CFO says

OpenAI will proceed with its US data-center expansion despite the Democratic midterm sweep, which has raised fears of tighter regulatory scrutiny, CFO Sarah Friar told CNBC on Friday. Friar said the company must keep investing to meet customer demand and will build community relationships to secure necessary computing power. OpenAI launched a charm offensive Thursday, pledging to drop non-disclosure agreements with public officials and share construction plans with residents. Data-center opposition was a key midterm issue, with Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa campaigning on stricter oversight. The Democratic sweep wiped about $2.5 trillion off US stocks Thursday, though Google announced a $17 billion Wyoming data center and ByteDance may expand in Brazil. Friar also confirmed OpenAI is raising fresh capital after 70% quarterly growth.