Sam Altman unloads on Elon Musk in latest X posts

Utsanjan Maity
February 10, 2026
Sam Altman, CEO of Open AI, is pictured on September 25, 2025 in Berlin, Germany

The AI Showdown: Sam Altman and Elon Musk's Escalating Feud Explained

In the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence, two of its most prominent figures, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and tech mogul Elon Musk, are locked in an increasingly intense public and legal battle. This long-running disagreement has recently flared up, with Altman directly challenging Musk on social media following new court documents and public comments. Their dispute isn't just a personal rivalry; it reflects deeper philosophical differences about the future, control, and commercialization of artificial intelligence, shaping the landscape of one of the most critical technologies of our time.

The latest escalation in this high-stakes feud began when details emerged from court filings related to Musk's lawsuits against both OpenAI and Apple. These documents quickly became public, shining a light on the legal skirmishes playing out behind the scenes. OpenAI's chief strategy officer, Jason Kwon, publicly highlighted a particular issue from these filings. Kwon wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that during the legal process known as "discovery" – where parties exchange relevant information – Musk and his own AI company, xAI, had reportedly provided very few substantial internal documents. Instead, Kwon suggested, they seemed to rely heavily on messages that disappear after being read, making them difficult to preserve for legal review. This claim immediately added fuel to the fire.

The "Concerning!" Reply and the Promise of "Christmas in April"

Sam Altman, never one to shy away from a public debate, quickly amplified Kwon's claims. He reposted them on his own X account, adding a sarcastic jab that has become one of Musk's recognizable catchphrases: "Concerning!" This short, pointed response clearly indicated Altman's view on the alleged lack of document preservation by Musk's team during a critical legal process. The implication was that if key communications were not being saved, it raised questions about transparency and cooperation in the legal proceedings.

Screenshots of the court filings, which Kwon also shared online, appeared to support OpenAI's stance that important communications were not being properly kept. This visual evidence further solidified their argument about the challenges faced during discovery. But Altman wasn't finished. He followed up with an even more direct and provocative statement, specifically targeting Musk. Altman wrote that he was "really excited to get Elon under oath in a few months." He described the upcoming opportunity to question Musk in a legal setting as "Christmas in April," highlighting his eagerness for what he clearly believes will be a significant moment in their legal showdown.

The Roots of the Conflict: OpenAI's Founding and its Evolution

To understand the depth of this feud, we need to go back to the beginning of OpenAI. Elon Musk was a co-founder of OpenAI in 2015, alongside Sam Altman and others. Their vision was ambitious: to create advanced artificial intelligence that would benefit all of humanity, rather than being controlled by a single corporation or government. It was initially established as a non-profit organization, emphasizing safety, transparency, and the widespread distribution of AI's benefits. Musk famously contributed significantly to its early funding and played a crucial role in shaping its initial mission. The idea was to prevent a single entity from monopolizing AI, thereby mitigating potential existential risks.

However, over time, the paths of Musk and OpenAI diverged. Musk left the OpenAI board in 2018, citing potential conflicts of interest with Tesla's own AI efforts. Despite his departure, his interest and influence in the direction of AI development remained strong, especially concerning safety and its potential dangers. The core of his subsequent criticism of OpenAI often revolves around what he perceives as a betrayal of its founding principles.

The most significant shift for OpenAI occurred in 2019 when it restructured from a pure non-profit into a "capped-profit" entity. This move allowed OpenAI to raise vast sums of capital from investors, most notably Microsoft, who poured billions into the company. The leadership, including Sam Altman, argued that this transition was necessary to fund the immense computing power and top talent required to develop cutting-edge AI models like GPT-3 and eventually GPT-4. They maintained that achieving their mission of creating "safe AGI" (Artificial General Intelligence) necessitated significant financial resources that a traditional non-profit structure could not provide.

Musk's Objections: Mission Betrayal and the Search for Open AI

Elon Musk has been a vocal critic of this organizational change, arguing that these moves fundamentally betray OpenAI's original mission. He claims that by becoming a for-profit business, even with a "capped" return for investors, OpenAI has moved away from its noble goal of developing AI for the benefit of all and has instead prioritized profit and corporate interests. Musk believes that the pursuit of advanced AI should remain firmly in the realm of open, non-profit research to ensure it serves humanity's best interests and avoids becoming a tool for corporate power or profit maximization.

His lawsuits against OpenAI are largely centered on these governance changes, particularly the restructuring from a non-profit into a for-profit business. Musk contends that the company has become a "de facto closed-source, maximum-profit company" under Altman's leadership. He alleges that OpenAI has violated its founding agreement by keeping its most advanced models closed-source and by entering into exclusive commercial deals, like the one with Microsoft, which he views as counter to the spirit of "open AI." OpenAI, in turn, has consistently labeled Musk's suits as "frivolous," arguing that his claims are without merit and driven by his own competitive ambitions in the AI space.

Further fueling the tension was a reported incident "early last year" where Musk led a massive $97 billion bid to acquire OpenAI. This audacious offer, had it been accepted, would have given Musk control over one of the leading AI research labs in the world. However, Sam Altman publicly and unequivocally rejected the offer, signaling his firm commitment to OpenAI's current direction and leadership. This rejection likely solidified the animosity between the two tech titans, transforming a philosophical disagreement into a deeply personal and corporate rivalry.

The Battle in the Courts: Lawsuits and Legal Maneuvers

The legal battles between Altman and Musk are multifaceted, involving several lawsuits challenging OpenAI's operational and governance changes. Beyond the core allegations of mission betrayal, the recent court filings and related public comments have brought specific legal tactics into the spotlight. One contentious issue, highlighted by OpenAI's chief strategy officer Jason Kwon, is the alleged reliance by Musk and xAI on "disappearing messages" during the discovery phase of the legal process.

In legal terms, discovery is a critical stage where both sides in a lawsuit exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This includes documents, emails, messages, and other forms of communication. The expectation is that all relevant information is preserved and provided. If a party is accused of using disappearing messages or failing to preserve documents, it can lead to serious legal consequences, including sanctions from the court, as it can be seen as an attempt to obstruct justice or hide evidence. OpenAI's publicizing of this issue suggests they view it as a significant problem, potentially impacting the fairness and transparency of the legal proceedings.

Altman's confident statement about getting "Elon under oath" emphasizes the significance of sworn testimony in legal disputes. When someone is "under oath," they are legally bound to tell the truth, and any false statements can result in charges of perjury. For Altman to openly express his excitement about this prospect suggests he believes Musk's testimony, when delivered under the pressure of legal obligation, will reveal crucial information or inconsistencies that could bolster OpenAI's defense or weaken Musk's case. This is a powerful legal maneuver that both sides understand carries immense weight.

While the primary focus is on Musk's lawsuits against OpenAI, the recent court filings also mentioned his lawsuit against Apple. Although the original text doesn't elaborate on the specifics, it's widely known that Musk has also voiced strong opinions about Apple's venture into AI, particularly regarding its integration with personal devices and potential security implications. He has often raised concerns about data privacy and the control large corporations wield over user information through AI systems. This additional lawsuit hints at Musk's broader strategy to challenge major tech players in the AI arena, not just OpenAI.

Beyond the Courtroom: Public Spats and AI Safety Debates

The tension between Altman and Musk isn't confined to legal documents; it frequently spills over into public forums, most notably on X. These public exchanges reveal their differing philosophies on AI development, safety, and its societal impact. Just two weeks prior to the latest court document revelations, Altman was actively pushing back against Musk on X due to the latter's claim that ChatGPT, OpenAI's widely popular chatbot, posed a significant mental health risk to users. Musk, known for his alarmist views on AI's potential dangers, suggested that AI tools like ChatGPT could have detrimental effects on human well-being.

Altman swiftly responded, noting that Musk's criticism was inconsistent with his past actions and current ventures. Altman explained the inherent difficulty of balancing AI safety with the need to provide broad access to a massive user base. He emphasized that OpenAI takes safety seriously, investing heavily in research and development to mitigate risks, but also acknowledged the complexities of deploying such powerful technology responsibly to millions of people worldwide. This exchange underscored a fundamental difference in their approaches: Musk often emphasizes the catastrophic downside, while Altman focuses on managed risk and widespread utility.

In the same public exchange, Altman cleverly turned the tables, pointing to Tesla's autopilot safety record as an example of Musk's own company facing intense public scrutiny regarding safety. Tesla's autopilot system, while advanced, has been involved in accidents and is frequently a subject of debate regarding its "full self-driving" capabilities and safety protocols. By bringing this up, Altman highlighted that even companies developing cutting-edge technology, including those founded by Musk, face the challenge of balancing innovation with real-world safety concerns. This move by Altman effectively countered Musk's moral high ground on AI safety, suggesting that all pioneers in advanced technology grapple with similar complex issues.

The Competitive Landscape: xAI and the Future of AI Development

Adding another layer to this intricate feud is the direct competition between OpenAI and Elon Musk's own artificial intelligence venture, xAI. Musk founded xAI in 2023 with the stated goal of "understanding the true nature of the universe." More practically, it aims to develop advanced AI that can compete with the likes of OpenAI and Google. xAI has already launched its own AI chatbot, Grok, which is integrated into X and offers a different approach, often characterized by its directness and occasional humor, drawing information from the social media platform in real-time.

Musk's decision to launch xAI after his departure from OpenAI and subsequent criticism of its direction is telling. It suggests that he not only disagrees with OpenAI's current path but also believes he can build an alternative that aligns more closely with his vision for AI development – potentially more "open" in some aspects and with a strong emphasis on addressing existential risks. This direct competition means that every technological leap, every public statement, and every legal skirmish between Altman and Musk is not just about principles but also about market share, talent acquisition, and leadership in the rapidly evolving AI industry.

The existence of xAI transforms the feud from a simple disagreement into a full-blown corporate and ideological battle. It raises questions about whether Musk's lawsuits against OpenAI are genuinely about defending its original non-profit mission, or if they are, at least in part, strategic moves to hinder a competitor and clear a path for xAI. OpenAI, for its part, certainly views the lawsuits through this lens, calling them "frivolous" and implying they are motivated by competitive jealousy rather than altruistic concerns.

Broader Implications for the AI World

The ongoing feud between Sam Altman and Elon Musk has far-reaching implications that extend beyond their personal rivalry and corporate interests. It highlights fundamental debates within the AI community about the most responsible and effective ways to develop, govern, and deploy artificial intelligence. These debates include:

  • Open vs. Closed AI: The core of the conflict often boils down to whether advanced AI models should be open-source and accessible to all, or developed by private entities with controlled access. Musk advocates for a more open approach, while OpenAI, despite its name, has moved towards a more controlled, proprietary model for its most powerful technologies, citing safety and commercial viability.
  • Profit vs. Purpose: The shift of OpenAI from a non-profit to a capped-profit entity sparks discussions about the role of profit motives in AI development. Can the pursuit of profit coexist with the ethical development of AI for humanity's benefit, or does it inevitably lead to compromises?
  • Safety and Governance: Both figures frequently discuss AI safety, but their approaches differ. Musk tends to emphasize the catastrophic risks and calls for strong regulation, while Altman focuses on building in safety mechanisms and gradually rolling out capabilities while navigating complex ethical challenges.
  • Competition and Innovation: The intense rivalry between OpenAI and xAI, along with other major players like Google and Anthropic, fuels rapid innovation but also raises concerns about an AI arms race where speed might sometimes overshadow safety or ethical considerations.
  • Public Trust: High-profile disputes like this can affect public trust in AI. When the leaders of prominent AI companies are engaged in such acrimonious battles, it can create uncertainty and skepticism among the public about the technology's future and the intentions of its creators.

Ultimately, this feud is a microcosm of the larger challenges facing humanity as it grapples with the advent of super-intelligent machines. The outcomes of these legal battles and public debates could set precedents for how AI is regulated, developed, and integrated into society for decades to come, shaping not just the tech industry but the very fabric of our future.

Important Disclosure and Related Legal Context

It's important to provide full context regarding the legal landscape surrounding OpenAI. As disclosed by Mashable's parent company, Ziff Davis, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI. This lawsuit alleges that OpenAI infringed Ziff Davis's copyrights in the process of training and operating its advanced AI systems. Specifically, the claim revolves around the use of copyrighted content – such as articles, images, and other materials published by Ziff Davis – without proper authorization or compensation, to train OpenAI's large language models. This practice, often referred to as "data scraping" or "ingestion" for AI training, has become a major point of contention across the tech and media industries.

The Ziff Davis lawsuit represents a growing wave of legal challenges faced by AI developers, as content creators and publishers seek to protect their intellectual property rights in the age of generative AI. It highlights the complex ethical and legal questions surrounding how AI models acquire and process information, especially when that information is copyrighted. These cases will likely shape future legislation and industry standards regarding AI training data, fair use, and compensation for original content creators. For OpenAI, this adds another significant legal battle to its plate, alongside the high-profile disputes with Elon Musk, demonstrating the multifaceted legal scrutiny that leading AI companies are currently under.

This confluence of lawsuits—from a co-founder challenging its core mission to major media companies accusing it of copyright infringement—underscores the intense pressure and legal complexities facing OpenAI as it navigates the forefront of AI development. Each legal challenge not only demands significant resources but also forces the company to publicly defend its practices, potentially influencing its reputation and future strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving technological and regulatory environment.

Conclusion: A Feud that Shapes the Future

The intense and ongoing feud between Sam Altman and Elon Musk is more than just a personal squabble between two powerful figures. It is a critical battleground where the future of artificial intelligence is being debated and decided. From the foundational principles of OpenAI's mission to the practicalities of legal discovery and the ethical implications of AI safety, every aspect of their conflict reflects the profound questions facing humanity as it embraces this transformative technology.

As the legal processes unfold, with the prospect of Elon Musk testifying "under oath," and as public exchanges continue on platforms like X, the world watches closely. The outcomes of these disputes—be they in courtrooms, on social media, or in the marketplace through competing AI products like ChatGPT and Grok—will undoubtedly influence the direction, governance, and accessibility of AI for years to come. This high-stakes drama reminds us that while the technology itself is revolutionary, its development is deeply intertwined with human decisions, rivalries, and competing visions for what AI should ultimately become.



from Mashable
-via DynaSage