This feels like a narrative being pushed. Tech oligarchs these days are flexing by showing off how much they are able to bully government, and Altman wants to get in on the game by spinning things this way. I’m not convinced they really bent the rules for OpenAI any more than usual given they only employ a few hundred people.
OpenAI has over 5,000 employees. In addition to their headcount, they are now the highest valued private company in the world.
They're going to have some leverage.
I doubt OpenAI has to try very hard to convince state politicians, especially to the point of bullying. It's usually the complete opposite where they throw money at you to stay.
Imagine if California managed to scare away the hottest company in the world and all the tax revenue it brings...