BS BRIEF:
- Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) said in a newly released interview that he didn’t know what ChatGPT was “until about a week ago,” adding that he has never used ChatGPT or other popular AI tools.
- During the interview, Clyburn acknowledged he has never visited a data center, despite artificial intelligence becoming a major issue before Congress. He defended his approach by saying, “I have a great staff… I know how to legislate.”
- The remarks quickly drew attention online as Congress continues debating AI regulation, federal investment in computing infrastructure and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence across government, business and education.
CLYBURN SAYS HE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT CHATGPT WAS UNTIL LAST WEEK
One of the most senior Democrats in Congress acknowledged this week that he only recently learned what ChatGPT is, offering a candid glimpse into the technological knowledge gap that has become an increasingly common point of discussion on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) made the comments during an upcoming episode of Vox’s America, Actually podcast with host Astead Herndon.
Discussing the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, Herndon asked the longtime congressman whether he personally uses AI. “No,” Clyburn replied. “Somebody was telling me I ought to, but I never have.”
Herndon followed up by asking whether Clyburn had ever used ChatGPT or Claude, two of the most widely used generative AI platforms. “Believe it or not, I didn’t know what that was until about a week ago,” Clyburn answered. “ChatGPT, or whatever it is.”
Herndon appeared surprised by the admission. “You didn’t know ’til a week ago? Wow. I mean, I’m jealous. You’ve kept yourself in a bubble.”
“That may sound strange to you,” Clyburn responded. “I didn’t know what that was.”
The conversation then shifted to the physical infrastructure powering artificial intelligence.
Herndon asked whether Clyburn had ever visited a data center.
“No,” the congressman answered.
When talking to voters about older elected officials, one concern comes up again and again: In an age of AI and rapid technological change, can longtime lawmakers keep up? pic.twitter.com/7HLzu2owvL
— Vox (@voxdotcom) July 24, 2026
When asked how he effectively legislates on issues involving rapidly evolving technology without firsthand familiarity, Clyburn pointed to the people around him. “I have a great staff,” he said.
“I wish I could know everything. I don’t know everything, and I don’t spend my time trying to learn everything. What I spend my time doing is trying to surround myself with people who do know stuff.”
Clyburn added that he relies on experienced advisers to help him understand technical subjects while focusing on the legislative process itself. “I know how to legislate. I know how to build relationships, and I hire people to bring knowledge into the game that I can put to practice.”
His comments come as artificial intelligence has become one of the fastest-moving policy issues facing lawmakers. Congress has held numerous hearings on AI safety, national security, copyright, workforce disruption, energy demand and competition with China. Technology companies are investing tens of billions of dollars in new data centers and computing infrastructure, while federal agencies are increasingly evaluating how AI can be incorporated into government operations.
The interview also comes amid growing public debate over data center construction. Polling released this year has found many Americans support advances in artificial intelligence while expressing reservations about large-scale data centers being built near their communities because of concerns over electricity use, water consumption and local environmental impacts.
Clyburn’s remarks quickly circulated on social media, where some users viewed his admission as refreshingly candid, while others questioned whether lawmakers should have greater personal familiarity with technologies that Congress may ultimately regulate.
DBS WIRE SOURCES:
- Mediaite: Jim Clyburn Says He Didn’t Know What ChatGPT Was ‘Until About a Week Ago’
- Vox – America, Actually podcast: Interview with Rep. Jim Clyburn
- Gallup: Americans’ views on AI and data center development (related polling)
- Associated Press: Coverage of congressional debates over artificial intelligence and AI regulation
- Reuters: Reporting on AI policy, infrastructure and congressional oversight
