Jacob Wohl is Running an AI Lobbying Company Under a Pseudonym, Politico Reports
By Sarah Jeong, features editor at The Verge
Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman are notorious far-right activists who have previously faced convictions and controversies surrounding their political tactics. According to a recent report by Politico, they have now established a new venture called LobbyMatic, which offers an “AI automation platform for lobbyists.” This latest endeavor situates them within the growing hype surrounding artificial intelligence, but it raises questions regarding their credibility.
LobbyMatic’s Functionality
LobbyMatic claims its AI-driven software can perform various tasks, such as automatically tracking congressional hearings and enhancing research related to legislative and regulatory matters.
However, sources inform Politico that Wohl and Burkman are deceptively operating the company under the pseudonyms “Jay Klein” and “Bill Sanders.” There is no publicly listed leadership on LobbyMatic’s website, and the registered agent for the company in Delaware is simply identified as “A Registered Agent, Inc.”
In response to inquiries from The Verge, LobbyMatic redirected attention to a video featuring a man resembling Jacob Wohl. In this video, the individual acknowledges his prior involvement in partisan politics but emphasizes that he has shifted his focus since then.
Anonymous Sources and Investigative Findings
Politico’s investigation relies on four anonymous former employees who assert the following:
– One employee accompanied “Bill Sanders” to a residence in Arlington, Virginia, previously used for press conferences by Burkman and Wohl.
– Some former employees recalled referring to “Jay Klein” as “Jacob.”
– They matched “Jay Klein” and “Bill Sanders” to Wohl and Burkman based on their online video content.
– One individual conducted a reverse image search, confirming that their boss was indeed Jacob Wohl.
– A phone call to a number associated with Burkman resulted in him abruptly hanging up when asked about “Bill Sanders.”
Historically, Wohl and Burkman have tried to orchestrate political scandals, including a fraudulent robocalling scheme that aimed to deter voters. In Ohio, they pleaded guilty to telecommunications fraud, resulting in community service sentences.
Conclusion
While the world of lobbying is evolving with the integration of AI technology, the involvement of controversial figures like Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman raises ethical concerns. Their attempts to reinvent their public image while trying to sell AI solutions may be met with skepticism.
For more insights into this story, click here.
