Jim Clyburn Says He Didn’t Know What ChatGPT Was ‘Until About a Week Ago’

An 86-year-old Congress member explains why he won’t retire

Rep. James Clyburn announces he is running for a 18th term on March 12, 2026, during a press conference at the South Carolina Democratic Party. | Tracy Glantz/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images The gerontocracy is real: The median senator is 64 years old, and 20 members of Congress are over 80. One legal scholar called it the “old-igarchy.” It seems the combination of President Donald Trump’s recent 80th birthday, the sudden death …

Jim Clyburn Says He Didn’t Know What ChatGPT Was ‘Until About a Week Ago’

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) admitted that he didn’t know what ChatGPT was “until about a week ago” in a clip posted Friday of an upcoming episode of Vox’s America, Actually podcast. When talking to voters about older elected officials, one concern comes up again and again: In an age of AI and rapid technological change, can longtime lawmakers keep up? pic.twitter.com/7HLzu2owvL — Vox (@voxdotcom) July 24, 2026 In the clip, Vox…

Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina said he didn't know until recently what ChatGPT is

"Believe it or not, I didn't know what that was until about a week ago, ChatGPT, or whatever it is," Sen. Clyburn replied.