US government backs OpenAI's fair use argument in NYT case

The Trump administration filed a statement of interest in The New York Times' copyright lawsuit against OpenAI, supporting the AI lab's fair use defense. The administration argues that restricting AI training on copyrighted material would hinder scientific progress and American prosperity. The lawsuit seeks billions in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft.

The administration's filing continues its pattern of using statements of interest to influence private litigation, a strategy officials have described as highly effective. The fair use position mirrors the administration's earlier National AI Legislative Framework, which likewise endorsed unrestricted AI training on copyrighted works.

The case unfolds amid divergent strategies among media organizations. While some outlets have pursued litigation, others have signed licensing agreements with OpenAI, including The Associated Press, Axel Springer, and Vox Media. A separate 2025 ruling involving Anthropic found training on lawfully purchased books permissible, though the company still paid a $1.5 billion settlement over piracy allegations.