Altman testifies Musk sought OpenAI control, even for his children

Sam Altman, the Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, delivered significant testimony in a federal jury trial in Oakland, California, asserting that co-founder Elon Musk harbored a strong desire to gain control of the artificial intelligence company. This testimony, given amidst a high-stakes legal battle, shed light on the early dynamics and evolving intentions of OpenAI's leadership. Altman even recounted a striking suggestion from Musk that his children could ultimately inherit control of the organization.

Mr. Altman, himself a co-founder of OpenAI, is currently facing a lawsuit initiated by Mr. Musk, who is also a co-founder. The core of Mr. Musk's legal challenge revolves around his accusation that Mr. Altman "looted a charity." This claim stems from OpenAI's foundational structure as a non-profit organization, which subsequently transitioned to a for-profit model. Musk argues that this shift fundamentally betrayed the company's initial charitable mission and the spirit in which it was established.

During his detailed testimony, Mr. Altman directly contradicted Mr. Musk's narrative, stating unequivocally that Mr. Musk not only supported the strategic decision for OpenAI to become a for-profit entity but also actively sought to secure long-term control over its operations and direction. Altman elaborated on discussions that reportedly took place after OpenAI's inception in 2015. He recalled specific instances where Mr. Musk proposed various mechanisms to consolidate his influence. These included efforts to secure additional seats on OpenAI's board of directors, which would have granted him greater voting power and strategic oversight. Furthermore, Altman testified that Mr. Musk had expressed a clear ambition to become the Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, a position that would have solidified his operational and strategic command over the burgeoning AI powerhouse. The recollection of Mr. Musk suggesting that control could eventually pass to his children when questioned about succession plans underscores the depth of his alleged desire for enduring influence over the company's future. These revelations provide crucial context to the ongoing legal dispute, offering differing perspectives on the motivations and intentions of OpenAI's key founders during its formative years and its pivotal transition from a non-profit to a for-profit structure.