Pentagon official overseeing military AI sold millions worth of stock in AI firm
News Source
β’Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:17:49 GMT
π° What Happened
Emil Michael, the top Pentagon official in charge of military AI policy, has sold his shares in Perplexity, an AI search company. His financial records show the sale earned between $5m and $25m. The sale happened in June. Michael is the same official who made up to $24m from selling his stake in Elon Musk's xAI earlier this year.
The records do not say whether he made a profit on the Perplexity sale. Federal disclosure forms only list ranges, not exact numbers. The Guardian saw the records first. Perplexity is reportedly chasing a $30bn value. Watchdogs worry that a leader with so much AI money faces big conflicts of interest while guiding military AI.
π The Backstory
Michael has deep ties to the AI world. His 2025 financial filings show he also received a personal loan from Perplexity of between $250,000 and $500,000. The Lever first reported his Perplexity stake in March. In January, he sold xAI stock for a gain of between 400% and 4,800%.
Pentagon officials must follow strict conflict-of-interest rules. They share their finances so the public can spot possible problems. Critics say these huge AI paydays blur the line between public service and private profit, especially when the same companies want defense contracts.
π― Why It Matters
One person helps steer US military AI and makes millions from AI companies he deals with. That raises questions about whether decisions are for the country or personal profit. People need to trust that defense policy is not for sale.
Emil Michael, the top Pentagon official in charge of military AI policy, has sold his shares in Perplexity, an AI search company. His financial records show the sale earned between $5m and $25m. The sale happened in June. Michael is the same official who made up to $24m from selling his stake in Elon Musk's xAI earlier this year.
The records do not say whether he made a profit on the Perplexity sale. Federal disclosure forms only list ranges, not exact numbers. The Guardian saw the records first. Perplexity is reportedly chasing a $30bn value. Watchdogs worry that a leader with so much AI money faces big conflicts of interest while guiding military AI.
Michael has deep ties to the AI world. His 2025 financial filings show he also received a personal loan from Perplexity of between $250,000 and $500,000. The Lever first reported his Perplexity stake in March. In January, he sold xAI stock for a gain of between 400% and 4,800%.
Pentagon officials must follow strict conflict-of-interest rules. They share their finances so the public can spot possible problems. Critics say these huge AI paydays blur the line between public service and private profit, especially when the same companies want defense contracts.
One person helps steer US military AI and makes millions from AI companies he deals with. That raises questions about whether decisions are for the country or personal profit. People need to trust that defense policy is not for sale.