AI vs Jobs: OpenAI Chief Warns of Large-Scale Automation Impact

At a high-level event hosted by the U.S. Federal Reserve, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman outlined a stark vision for the future of artificial intelligence.

Addressing central bank officials and tech leaders, Altman said that AI is set to completely eliminate entire job categories, with customer service already being overtaken by smart, efficient AI systems that outperform human agents. He also suggested that AI is now capable of diagnosing health issues better than many doctors, though he stressed the importance of keeping human professionals in the loop.

Altman’s warnings weren’t limited to the workplace. He highlighted the national security risks posed by AI, including threats to financial systems and identity fraud through voice cloning.

The speech came as the Trump administration rolled out its “AI action plan,” designed to ease regulations and boost U.S. data center capacity, shifting from the previous focus on regulation under the Biden era to a race for global dominance.

OpenAI is also expanding its footprint in Washington with plans for a local office, signaling deeper integration with U.S. policymaking.