NEW YORK — Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, expressed that he is “not particularly concerned” about Elon Musk’s potential influence within the upcoming Trump administration. During a conference held by The New York Times, Altman shared his perspective, emphasizing that while he could be mistaken, he has faith that Musk will act responsibly.
Altman stated, “Utilizing political authority, especially to the extent that Elon possesses it, to undermine competitors and bolster one’s own enterprises would be distinctly un-American.” He added, “I believe the public would not tolerate such actions, and I have confidence that Elon will refrain from such behavior.”
Earlier this year, Musk, who not only invested in OpenAI but also served on its board, initiated legal action against the AI company. He claims that OpenAI has strayed from its original mission to provide societal benefits, focusing instead on profitability. Recently, Musk intensified his lawsuit, requesting a federal judge to prevent OpenAI from fully transitioning to a for-profit model.
In addition to his legal battles, Musk has launched a competing AI venture called xAI, which Altman recognizes as a formidable rival.
In political news, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Musk, recognized as the world’s wealthiest individual, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, a known entrepreneur and former Republican presidential hopeful, to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This external advisory group will collaborate with government officials to streamline processes, aiming to reduce expenditures and regulatory burdens.
