Altman: Musk Wanted OpenAI Control for His Kids

Sam Altman testified that Elon Musk wanted long-term control of OpenAI, even suggesting it could pass to his children. This testimony happened in a federal court in California, as part of an ongoing legal battle between Musk and OpenAI. Altman stated that Musk sought greater authority in OpenAI's early years. He proposed structures to increase his influence, including asking for more board seats and suggesting himself as CEO. Musk also floated the idea of OpenAI becoming part of Tesla. One discussion left OpenAI's leadership uneasy. When asked what would happen if Musk gained control and then died, Altman says Musk suggested the company could potentially pass to his children. OpenAI's leadership rejected these ideas. They believed no single individual should control artificial general intelligence. Altman also claimed Musk supported OpenAI becoming a for-profit entity, but later stopped funding the company after leaving in 2018. He then declined to invest in OpenAI's for-profit subsidiary in 2019 because he no longer controlled it. This trial could shape the future structure and leadership of OpenAI.