OpenAI Lobbies Trump Administration to Expand Chips Act Tax Credits for AI Data Centers

In a strategic move to reshape America's AI infrastructure, OpenAI has formally requested the Trump administration to expand the Chips Act tax credits to cover AI data centers, servers, and electrical grid components. The proposal, submitted in a letter dated October 27 and gaining attention in early November 2025, was led by OpenAI's Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane and addressed to White House officials, including Michael Kratsios, Director of Science and Technology Policy.

The current Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC) under the Biden-era Chips Act provides a 35% tax credit for semiconductor fabrication. OpenAI argues that broadening this to AI infrastructure would lower the effective cost of capital, de-risk early investments, and unlock private capital to accelerate U.S. AI development. Lehane emphasized in the letter that this expansion is crucial for maintaining competitive edge against global rivals like China.

Beyond tax credits, OpenAI's comprehensive request includes accelerated permitting and environmental reviews, creation of strategic reserves for raw materials such as copper and aluminum, and streamlined regulatory pathways for data center construction. The company clarified it is not seeking direct government guarantees or bailouts, with CFO Sarah Friar stating, 'OpenAI is not seeking a government backstop for our infrastructure commitments,' and CEO Sam Altman reinforcing market principles.

Financially, OpenAI expects to achieve over $20 billion in annualized revenue by end-2025 and has secured $1.4 trillion in capital commitments for the next eight years. A recent $38 billion deal with Amazon Web Services will utilize hundreds of thousands of Nvidia GPUs, highlighting the scale of infrastructure needs. The Trump administration has not publicly responded but maintains opposition to federal AI backstops, as echoed by White House AI czar David Sacks.

While focused on AI, the massive data center expansion could indirectly impact cryptocurrency mining operations due to increased energy consumption and competition for resources, though no specific coins are directly targeted.