Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman: “We Will Buy Twitter”
In yet another escalation of their long-standing rivalry, Elon Musk has made a $97.4 billion offer to take control of the non-profit overseeing OpenAI, the artificial intelligence powerhouse co-founded by Musk and Sam Altman in 2015. However, in an unexpected turn, Altman rejected Musk’s proposal and instead made a counteroffer—to buy X (formerly Twitter) for $9.74 billion, a fraction of what Musk had initially paid for the platform in 2022.
no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want
— Sam Altman (@sama) February 10, 2025
A Battle Over OpenAI’s Future
The rift between Musk and Altman has been brewing for years, particularly over OpenAI’s shift from a non-profit to a for-profit model. Musk has been a vocal critic of the company’s evolving structure and leadership, arguing that OpenAI has drifted away from its original mission of ensuring AI benefits all of humanity.
Altman’s refusal of Musk’s takeover bid was accompanied by a sharp remark, stating that OpenAI would instead purchase X for $9.74 billion, reflecting the devaluation of the social media platform. Musk, in turn, lashed out, branding Altman a “swindler” in a social media post, reigniting their public feud.
Public Spat Intensifies
Musk further fueled the controversy by resurfacing an old video of Altman, where the OpenAI CEO appears to dodge a question about his financial earnings during a US Senate hearing. The Tesla and SpaceX chief’s comments hinted at skepticism over Altman’s financial transparency and his handling of OpenAI’s funding and partnerships.
Musk’s Criticism of the Stargate Project
This latest dispute comes shortly after Donald Trump’s announcement of the $500 billion Stargate Project, a collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle aimed at developing AI infrastructure in the United States. Musk cast doubt on the initiative, questioning whether the consortium had the financial backing to execute such an ambitious project.
Altman, however, dismissed Musk’s criticism and extended an invitation for him to visit the project’s first site, stating that the initiative was crucial for the country and suggesting that Musk should prioritize national interests over his business concerns.
The Larger Picture
At the heart of this battle lies OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit entity. The organization insists that securing large-scale investments is crucial for advancing AI research, particularly as competition in the sector intensifies.
Musk, however, remains skeptical, arguing that OpenAI has drifted away from its original vision. His concerns about the increasing commercialization of artificial intelligence align with his broader critiques of corporate AI development and its long-term impact.
What Lies Ahead?
While Musk’s attempt to acquire OpenAI has been swiftly rejected, it remains to be seen whether he will pursue further action against Altman and his team. Meanwhile, Altman’s offer to purchase X seems less of a serious bid and more of a pointed remark about Musk’s handling of the social media company since acquiring it for $44 billion in 2022.
As the feud between these two tech titans escalates, the broader implications for AI development, corporate takeovers, and tech governance continue to unfold.
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