Emil Michael’s unforgiving stance toward the Uber investors responsible for his and Travis Kalanick’s ouster was reiterated in March 2026. The current Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (USW(R&E)) and Chief Technology Officer for the Department of War declared he would “never forget that, nor forgive” their actions, highlighting a deep-seated resentment that persists years after his departure from the ride-hailing giant.
Michael, once the Senior Vice President of Business and Kalanick’s trusted confidant, left Uber on June 12, 2017. His exit was part of a tumultuous period for the company, engulfed in scandals ranging from widespread sexual harassment and bullying to other workplace transgressions. An internal investigation, led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s firm, Covington & Burling, recommended Michael’s removal and Kalanick’s leave of absence, recommendations unanimously adopted by Uber’s board. This upheaval also saw the firing of 20 other staffers, underscoring the severity of the corporate culture issues at the time.
“I will never forget that, nor forgive,” Michael’s resolute words reflect a lasting bitterness towards the power plays that reshaped Uber’s leadership.
Travis Kalanick, Uber’s co-founder and CEO, followed Michael out the door shortly after, resigning in June 2017 under immense pressure from five of Uber’s major investors. Kalanick eventually severed his final ties with the company, stepping down from the board of directors in December 2019, marking the end of an era for the startup he co-founded.
A Controversial Tenure at Uber
Michael’s time at Uber, which began in September 2013, was not without its share of controversy. In 2014, he drew widespread criticism for suggesting a million-dollar budget to investigate journalists critical of Uber, specifically targeting Sarah Lacy, who reported on the company’s alleged misogynistic culture. He later issued an apology for these comments. His involvement also extended to a controversial visit to a South Korean karaoke club with Kalanick in 2014, which led to an HR complaint from a female employee. Furthermore, his name surfaced in connection with the alleged mishandling of a female passenger’s medical records after she was raped by a driver in Delhi, with executives reportedly seeking to discredit her story, amplifying the scrutiny on the company’s executive conduct. For more related insight, explore our related Tech news.
Emil Michael’s Unforgiving Stance and Current Government Role
Despite his contentious past in the tech world, Emil Michael now holds a pivotal role within the U.S. government. Nominated by President Trump, he was sworn in on May 20, 2025, as the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and Chief Technology Officer for the Department of War. In this critical capacity, Michael is tasked with ensuring the U.S. military’s technological superiority, overseeing all research, development, and prototyping efforts, which include prestigious organizations such as DARPA and the Missile Defense Agency. He also temporarily served as the acting director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as of August 2025. This isn’t his first foray into government service; Michael previously served as a White House Fellow and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, managing projects in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to public service.
Michael’s recent remarks underscore a lingering narrative of betrayal and power struggles within the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley. His transition from a top tech executive embroiled in scandal to a senior Pentagon official highlights a remarkable career trajectory, yet his deep-seated animosity towards those who orchestrated his and Kalanick’s Uber exit remains a potent part of his public persona.
