OpenAI’s about-face on chip export controls is a case study in the ways monopoly power — in this case Nvidia’s — distorts our markets and our politics. Export controls are a clear boon for OpenAI; they are good for OAI’s business, maintain America’s lead over China, and arguably improve AI safety, which Open AI's leadership claims to care about. So why the reversal? OpenAI depends on Nvidia for chip access, and Nvidia strongly opposes the controls. Monopolies like Nvidia create a culture of fear and silence for the businesses, workers, and consumers they can (and do) abuse. And in this instance, even a giant like OpenAI isn’t immune. So instead of hearing what OpenAI leadership actually prefers, we hear what they know Nvidia expects of them. It’s just the latest example of Nvidia’s growing power, and why Congress, State AGs, and the Justice Department should investigate Nvidia.