Senator Questions OpenAI CEO on AI's Potential to Replace Up to 70% of Jobs
During a Senate hearing this week, Democratic Senator Gary Peters pressed OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on a private remark Altman made, suggesting that AI could eliminate as many as 70% of jobs. The discussion took place on May 8 before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in Washington, D.C.
Senator Peters recalled, “Mr. Altman, when we met last year in my office, you said that upwards of 70% of jobs could be eliminated by AI and acknowledged the social disruption this could cause. We have to prepare for it.”
Altman acknowledged that past technological advances have displaced jobs but noted the difference with AI is the speed of change. “The thing that I think is different this time than previous technological revolutions is the potential speed,” Altman explained. “Many jobs become more efficient, and new roles emerge, but AI compresses the timeline for these shifts.”
He emphasized uncertainty about how fast these changes will come but admitted it could be swift. Altman recommended allowing people early access to AI tools to help them discover new ways to work. He stated, “The best thing we can do is smooth this transition so AI enhances work instead of displacing it.”
Job Cuts and Hiring Shifts at IBM and Duolingo
Altman’s comments coincide with recent moves by companies like IBM and Duolingo to restructure due to AI. IBM CEO Arvind Krishna told The Wall Street Journal that AI has automated many HR and back-office tasks, leading to job reductions in those areas. Yet, IBM is hiring more developers, salespeople, and roles demanding complex human skills.
Krishna explained, “While AI automates certain workflows, our total employment has increased because it allows investment in other areas.”
Duolingo is taking a more AI-centric approach. CEO Luis von Ahn announced plans to become an “AI-first” company, phasing out many contract roles as generative AI handles more content creation. He told employees this shift requires rethinking workflows from the ground up, focusing staff on creative and complex tasks instead of repetitive ones.
World Economic Forum Forecasts Job Gains and Losses
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 projects that AI and other technologies will eliminate 92 million jobs by 2030 but create 170 million new ones. This results in a net gain of 78 million jobs, roughly a 7% increase in employment. This outlook is more optimistic than the 2023 report, which predicted a net loss of 14 million jobs by 2027.
The report highlights that roles in administrative support, record keeping, and data entry face the highest risk of automation. Success depends heavily on reskilling initiatives and policy support to ensure workers adapt to new roles.
Key Takeaways for HR Professionals
- Prepare for rapid change: AI could reshape job roles much faster than past technologies.
- Focus on reskilling: Supporting employees to learn new skills is critical to minimize displacement.
- Shift job design: Encourage roles that emphasize creativity, complex judgment, and human interaction.
- Leverage AI tools: Early adoption can help employees adapt and find new ways to contribute.
HR leaders can play a vital role in guiding their organizations through this period of transition. For those looking to strengthen their AI skills to better support workforce changes, exploring targeted training can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training’s course offerings for HR professionals help build practical AI knowledge to navigate these shifts effectively.
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