OpenAI’s Sam Altman dismisses Elon Musk’s historic $97 billion offer

In a dramatic twist in the tech industry, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has publicly dismissed a staggering $97.4 billion purchase offer from Elon Musk’s xAI. This proposal, which garnered significant media attention, underscored the tension between two of AI’s most recognized figures. After breaking news on the offer, Altman humorously shifted the decimal, posting a cheeky response on X, suggesting OpenAI might consider buying Twitter for $9.74 billion instead.

Musk, who recently adopted the playful username “Harry Bōlz”—a nod to a member of his cryptocurrency group embroiled in legal controversies—did not take Altman’s retort lightly. His one-word comeback, “Swindler,” indicates the ongoing hostilities between the tech moguls.

In various subsequent media engagements, Altman maintained a steadfast position that OpenAI is not for sale. He articulated that the organization’s mission is paramount, emphasizing that selling to a competitor who has struggled to match OpenAI’s success would deviate from their foundational goals. “OpenAI is not for sale,” Altman told Axios, reflecting the seriousness of the matter.

The animosity traces back to their 2015 partnership in founding OpenAI as a nonprofit. However, tensions escalated when Musk severed ties with the organization in 2018 yet continued to watch OpenAI’s rise following the successes of ChatGPT and GPT-4 in 2022 and 2023. In July 2023, Musk established xAI to rival OpenAI, launching AI projects like Grok. Since then, Musk’s actions have challenged Altman, including legal confrontations aimed at claiming that OpenAI strayed from its original mission due to partnerships with major corporations like Microsoft.

Musk attempted to reclaim his influence by legally challenging OpenAI, accusing it of failing to deliver on its commitment to a public AI breakthrough. Despite withdrawing his lawsuit in June 2024, he resurrected his claims months later, showcasing the relentless nature of their rivalry.

The latest exchanges have highlighted the underlying personal tensions as much as professional disagreements. When questioned about Musk’s motivations in light of the latest developments, Altman suggested that insecurities might be a driving force behind Musk’s public declarations. “Probably his whole life is from a position of insecurity,” Altman reflected, a remark underscoring the personal dimensions of their conflict.

Ultimately, this latest skirmish not only marks a significant chapter in Altman and Musk’s relationship but also reflects broader implications for the AI industry. As AI continues to evolve, the stakes are higher than ever, and the scrutiny on these leaders will undoubtedly increase. The discourse between the two serves as a lens through which we observe the rapidly advancing landscape of AI development and the competing visions for its future. Altman’s firm stance against Musk’s overtures suggests that OpenAI remains committed to its original mission, navigating forward free from external pressures, at least for now.