The battle between Elon Musk and Sam Altman rages on.
Earlier on Wednesday, Musk opened the gates to a billionaire clash by challenging the financial integrity of President Donald Trump’s newly announced $500 billion AI initiative. He then intensified his criticisms against the CEO of OpenAI with a flurry of posts on his social media platform, X, throughout the night.
Clearly annoyed with his wealthy rival, Musk launched a series of allegations at the 39-year-old, labeling him a “liar,” even though Trump seems to hold him in high regard.
Musk’s grudge against Altman traces back to Altman’s exit from OpenAI, the organization they co-founded in 2015. Furthermore, Trump’s “First Buddy” is currently involved in an active lawsuit that alleges OpenAI and Altman have strayed from their nonprofit mission by restricting access to their most sophisticated AI technology for corporate clients.
In one of his late-night posts, Musk highlighted an old tweet by Altman that appeared to support LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, a major Democratic donor, while being critical of Trump.
“Very few people understand just how much @reidhoffman invested and did to prevent Trump’s re-election,” Altman tweeted in 2021, which Musk shared as a screenshot on his X profile Wednesday evening. “Without his efforts, it seems quite possible that Trump would still be in office. Thanks, Reid!”
A bit later, Musk endorsed a post from conservative influencer Mike Cernovich, who included a screenshot of Altman’s message while stating, “Epstein island visitor Reid Hoffman supported the legal actions against Trump, claimed he wished Trump was killed (this was only days before the assassination attempt), and Sam Altman is a huge admirer of Reid!”
Musk replied, “True.”
The Wall Street Journal reported in 2023 that the billionaire venture capitalist had visited Jeffrey Epstein’s private Caribbean island at least once and had once planned to stay at his Manhattan residence in 2014. Hoffman expressed regret about his association with Epstein when talking to the publication, stating he met with Epstein to raise funds for MIT.
“I feel troubled that by allowing any association, I helped enhance his reputation, which in turn delayed justice for his victims,” Hoffman mentioned in an email to WSJ. “While I relied on MIT’s endorsement, I ultimately made a mistake and I’m sorry for my misjudgment,” he added.
In another post, Musk commended Cernovich for posing a “good question” after the influencer shared a 2016 tweet from Altman, which read: “Back to work tomorrow on a new project to stop Trump.”
Moments later, Musk launched another attack on Altman, referencing a Reuters report about OpenAI’s shift away from its nonprofit structure by issuing equity to Altman.
“Altman explicitly told Congress that he wouldn’t get compensation from OpenAI, and now he’s asking for $10 billion,” Musk declared. “What a liar.”
Altman likewise took the moment to express his thoughts, responding to a user about his interactions with Musk: “I don’t believe he’s a nice individual or treating us justly, but one must respect that he pushes all of us to aim higher.”
Shortly after, Altman shared his views on Trump.
“Paying closer attention to @potus lately has truly altered my view of him,” Altman posted on X Wednesday night. “I regret not thinking for myself more and succumbed to the NPC [non-player character] mindset. While I won’t agree with everything he says, I believe he can be extraordinary for the country in many aspects!”
On Tuesday, Trump revealed the inception of a multibillion-dollar AI initiative named Stargate, which aims to advance AI infrastructure throughout the nation. The president has enlisted Altman, as well as SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison to lead Stargate. Collectively, they have promised a combined investment of $100 billion to launch the project, with an additional $400 billion anticipated in the near future.
Earlier, while responding to an OpenAI announcement regarding Stargate on X, Musk immediately dismissed the AI advocates’ aspirations, asserting: “They don’t actually possess the funds.”
“SoftBank has less than $10B secured,” he asserted. “I have that on reliable information.”
In reply, Altman, seemingly mocking Musk, remarked: “I genuinely hold your achievements in high regard and believe you’re the most motivating entrepreneur of our era.”
He also countered Musk’s claims regarding the fund’s insufficiency, stating: “Incorrect, as you certainly know.”
“Want to tour the first site that’s already in motion? This is advantageous for the nation. I realize what benefits the country isn’t always what’s best for your ventures, but in your new capacity, I trust you will prioritize [America].”
Vehement critic of Musk and key player in the December MAGA civil war against him, Steve Bannon also chimed in on Wednesday, telling reporters that the billionaire is “out of control.”
“[Musk] should not undermine what the president has already communicated,” Bannon quipped. “His actions are unacceptable and unsatisfactory. You can see just how far he has gone off track.”
