On Wednesday, Bill Ackman drew attention to an allegation that the resignation of Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon may have been rapidly amplified as part of a broader push for tougher artificial intelligence regulation.
Jacob Coxon’s Anthropic Resignation Goes Viral
Coxon, who previously worked at OpenAI and spent three years conducting pretraining research at both companies, announced his resignation on X Tuesday.
"Neither company is acting responsibly," Coxon wrote, arguing that the industry is "gambling with our lives."
Researcher Questions Rapid AI Regulation Push
Parker Thayer, an investigative researcher at Capital Research Center, shared Coxon’s post and argued that the episode showed signs of a coordinated public-relations effort.
"This post looks like the start of a VERY sophisticated and well-funded PR operation to get support for Democrats," Thayer wrote.
Thayer also pointed to several AI-policy advocates who rapidly amplified Coxon’s post, arguing that their organizational and funding connections warrant scrutiny.
He further cited Coxon’s previous scholarship from a Dustin Moskovitz-linked philanthropic organization and relationships between AI-policy groups and donors associated with Anthropic investors.
"Isn’t it fortuitous that this whistleblower came forward with his oh-so scary stories so close in proximity to the release of the most radical piece of AI legislation ever introduced," he asked.
Bill Ackman Reacts
Ackman’s shared the post and said, "Interesting."
Ackman previously called Coxon’s resignation "concerning."
Coxon and Anthropic did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
This comes as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has urged OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) to "stop building machines" that humans cannot control.
Anthropic is currently working toward what could become the largest IPO in history, with investors and bankers targeting a valuation of nearly $2 trillion and a fundraising haul of more than $86 billion as early as mid-October.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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