OpenAI CEO Sam Altman criticized Elon Musk during The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, calling it “profoundly un-American” for Musk to use political influence to harm competitors and benefit his businesses, like xAI. Altman expressed doubts about public tolerance for such actions.
Musk, who co-leads the planned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President-elect Donald Trump, will reportedly influence AI policy decisions. Altman highlighted concerns about Musk’s involvement, especially as Musk is suing OpenAI, accusing it of abandoning its mission and engaging in anticompetitive practices.
Altman described Musk’s xAI as a “serious competitor” and expressed sadness over the legal battle, lamenting that his admiration for Musk’s earlier contributions to technology has diminished. Despite this, Altman acknowledged Musk’s significant impact on the world.
