The files that CISA’s acting head, Madhu Gottumukkala, plugged into ChatGPT were marked “for official use only” — a government designation for information that is considered sensitive and not for public release. | Illustration by Claudine Hellmuth/POLITICO (source images via iStock) By John Sakellariadis01/27/2026 03:30 PM EST
The interim head of the country’s cyber defense agency uploaded sensitive contracting documents into a public version of ChatGPT last summer, triggering multiple automated security warnings that are meant to stop the theft or unintentional disclosure of government material from federal networks, according to four Department of Homeland Security officials with knowledge of the incident.
The apparent misstep from Madhu Gottumukkala was especially noteworthy because the acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency had requested special permission from CISA’s Office of the Chief Information Officer to use the popular AI tool soon after arriving at the agency this May, three of the officials said. The app was blocked for other DHS employees at the time.
None of the files Gottumukkala plugged into ChatGPT were classified, according to the four officials, each of whom was granted anonymity for fear of retribution. But the material included CISA contracting documents marked “for official use only,” a government designation for information that is considered sensitive and not for public release.
Here’s a nice tidbit:
Gottumukkala “forced CISA’s hand into making them give him ChatGPT, and then he abused it,” said the first official.
And another:
And last week, Gottumukkala tried to oust Costello, CISA’s CIO, before other political appointees at the agency intervened to block the move.
The ill-will and incompetence of this moron is phenomenal.
Only the best, folks. Only the best.
