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Pentagon Official Emil Michael Sold Perplexity Shares After Loan

9/2/2026

11 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Pentagon official Emil Michael sold his Perplexity AI shares for $5 million–$25 million in June.
He received a $250,000–$500,000 personal loan from Perplexity at 4.57% interest in 2025.
Ethics expert Richard Painter said Michael should have divested all Perplexity stock before joining the Pentagon.
Pentagon spokesperson said Michael and other officials fully comply with ethics laws and regulations.

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Story summary

Pentagon official Emil Michael sold his Perplexity AI shares for $5 million–$25 million in June.
He received a $250,000–$500,000 personal loan from Perplexity at 4.57% interest in 2025.
Ethics expert Richard Painter said Michael should have divested all Perplexity stock before joining the Pentagon.
Pentagon spokesperson said Michael and other officials fully comply with ethics laws and regulations.