OpenAI robotics lead Caitlin Kalinowski quits in response to Pentagon deal

OpenAI's robotics lead Caitlin Kalinowski has resigned over the company's agreement with the Pentagon, citing concerns about rushed governance around domestic surveillance and lethal autonomous weapons. Kalinowski, who joined OpenAI in November 2024 after leading Meta's AR glasses team, stated her issue was not with the people but with the lack of defined guardrails before the announcement. OpenAI defended the deal as providing a responsible path for national security AI use with red lines against domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. The controversy follows the Pentagon's failed negotiations with Anthropic and its subsequent designation of Anthropic as a supply-chain risk. The deal has also impacted OpenAI's public reputation, with ChatGPT uninstalls surging 295% and Claude rising to the top of the App Store.