Billionaire uses AI to draft op-ed, sparking debate over disclosure rules

Stanley Druckenmiller, who leads Duquesne Family Office, used an AI tool to draft one outlet's op-ed that argues against Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s policy of reducing long-term bond yields. After being contacted by NOTUS reporter Jeff Stein, Druckenmiller confirmed the AI involvement and likened the technology to a calculator for writing. Paul Gigot, the Journal’s editorial page editor, echoed the sentiment that the piece reflects Druckenmiller’s genuine opinion and that disclosure was not required.

The episode has highlighted a growing tension in the media, with many outlets prohibiting AI-generated opinion pieces and recent research showing that over half of a sample of political op-eds contain AI-detected text. Critics argue that readers pay for the personal voice of a human author, while proponents see AI as a productivity tool that should be used openly. The debate underscores the need for clear guidelines on AI use in journalism.