Republican lawmakers are investigating whether OpenAI CEO Sam Altman violated conflict-of-interest laws through his personal investments, while reportedly overlooking financial dealings of the Trump family.

The House Oversight Committee has sent Altman a letter inquiring whether funds donated to OpenAI's nonprofit branch were used for unintended purposes.

They are also examining whether Altman's investments in companies like Helion, a nuclear fusion startup, could have increased OpenAI's value ahead of a potential IPO.Several Republican state attorneys general have requested the SEC to investigate Altman for possible 'self-dealing.' This follows similar claims made by Elon Musk in a lawsuit concerning OpenAI's for-profit conversion.Altman has previously supported Republican-backed AI regulations and donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund.

Critics note that while Altman faces scrutiny, the Trump family has engaged in foreign investments and deals that have not been similarly examined, such as receiving a $400 million airplane from Qatari officials or investing in Kazakh mining projects during Trump's second term.The investigation raises broader questions about selective oversight and which conflicts of interest receive attention from Republican officials.