Emil Michael, the Pentagon official overseeing military artificial intelligence policy, sold his holdings in AI company Perplexity for between $5m and $25m, according to financial disclosures seen by the Guardian.
Key facts
- Emil Michael oversees military AI policy at the Pentagon.
- He sold his Perplexity stock for between $5m and $25m, according to the Guardian.
- Earlier this year he profited from selling his stake in Elon Musk's xAI, with a gain of between 400% and 4,800%.
- Federal financial records show ranges of dollar values rather than exact figures.
The top Pentagon official responsible for military artificial intelligence policy has sold his holdings in an AI company for between $5m and $25m, according to financial disclosures seen by the Guardian.
The official, Emil Michael, sold his stock in Perplexity, an AI firm, the records show. Federal financial disclosures report ranges of dollar values rather than specific figures, so the precise sum is not public.
The sale is the second significant AI-related divestment by Michael to be reported this year. Earlier in 2026, the Guardian disclosed that Michael had profited from his private investment in Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, in January.
According to the Guardian, that xAI investment produced a gain of between 400% and 4,800%, and he reaped profits of up to $24m from selling the private stake.
Michael’s role placing him at the center of the Pentagon’s approach to artificial intelligence, combined with his personal financial ties to AI companies, is the focus of the Guardian’s reporting on his disclosures.
The Guardian described its account as an exclusive based on records it had seen. The report does not detail the timing of the Perplexity sale relative to any specific Pentagon decisions.
Why it matters
A senior official who shapes how the U.S. military adopts artificial intelligence holding and selling stock in AI firms raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Financial ties between government decision-makers and the industries they oversee are a recurring focus of ethics and transparency debates.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Emil Michael?
According to the Guardian, Emil Michael is the top Pentagon official overseeing military artificial intelligence policy.
How much did he make from the stock sales?
The Guardian reports he sold his Perplexity stock for between $5m and $25m, and earlier reaped up to $24m from selling his stake in Elon Musk's xAI. Federal records show ranges rather than exact figures.
What was his return on the xAI investment?
The Guardian previously reported his xAI investment in January produced a gain of between 400% and 4,800%.