OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is pushing back against the growing belief that AI is directly causing widespread job losses. Speaking in an interview with CNBC on June 1, Sam Altman argued that companies embracing AI the most are often the same companies that continue to hire workers, while firms blaming layoffs on AI may not be using the technology extensively at all.

CEOs are pushing workers to embrace AI. At the same time, some are citing the technology as a reason for layoffs.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said AI can be a "convenient way" for companies to explain layoffs.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is pushing back against the growing belief that AI is directly causing widespread job losses. Speaking in an interview with CNBC on June 1, Sam Altman argued…

Challenger says AI is the No. 1 reason companies are giving for job cuts in 2026 thus far. In May alone, it accounted for 40% of cuts.