A dramatic new chapter in the ongoing feud between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has emerged with Musk’s group offering a staggering $97.4 billion to take control of the AI giant. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the bid seeks to return OpenAI to its roots as a nonprofit entity focused on open-source, safety-driven artificial intelligence, a stark contrast to its current for-profit direction.
The bid, which was formally submitted by Musk’s lawyer Marc Toberoff to the OpenAI board, represents a strategic pivot in the longstanding legal and ideological clash between Musk and Altman. Musk has consistently criticized OpenAI’s shift towards commercialization, believing that AI should be developed for the public good rather than monetized. This perspective stands in direct opposition to Altman’s leadership, which has steered the company toward profit-driven initiatives.
The feud between Musk and Altman has escalated to the point of legal action, with Musk filing an antitrust lawsuit against OpenAI and its partner, Microsoft, last December. Musk’s offer is seen as part of his broader vision to reinstate OpenAI as a “force for good,” focusing on safety and transparency rather than financial gain.
Altman’s Response and Bid Valuation
In response to the $97.4 billion offer, Altman took to Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter) to dismiss the proposal with a sharp retort: “No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.” While Altman’s response may have been playful, it underscores his rejection of Musk’s attempt to wrest control of OpenAI.
The $97.4 billion bid is notably lower than the projected valuation of OpenAI, which some estimates place at around $340 billion. While it remains unclear how OpenAI’s board will respond to the offer, if accepted, it would be Musk’s most significant acquisition since his $44 billion purchase of X (formerly Twitter Inc.).
AI Power Struggle and Global Competition
Musk’s bid has reignited discussions about the future of AI development, especially in the context of rapidly advancing technologies. As the market for artificial intelligence expands, China’s DeepSeek AI has emerged as a formidable competitor, raising concerns over its potential to disrupt the market. DeepSeek’s entry, which was followed by a major AI token crash in January, highlights the intensifying global race for Artificial Superintelligence (AGI).
As Musk, Altman, and other AI leaders continue to clash, some market analysts suggest that the real battle may be between the U.S. and Chinese AI powers, rather than between Musk and Altman. Critics of the current rivalry argue that a more collaborative approach is needed to combat the growing influence of Chinese AI firms.
The growing complexity of the AI landscape, coupled with Musk’s high-profile offer, ensures that the stakes in this technological power struggle are higher than ever.
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