Elon Musk Calls OpenAI CEO Sam Altman ‘Untrustworthy’ in Latest Criticism

Elon Musk criticizes OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over the company’s nonprofit origins and leadership.

Elon Musk has sharply criticized OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman, accusing him of being untrustworthy and alleging that he took control of an organization that was originally established as an open-source nonprofit. The comments were reported in data shared on X by @Watcher.Guru.

Musk Escalates Criticism of OpenAI and Sam Altman

Musk’s remarks represent another public dispute between the technology entrepreneur and Altman, who leads OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT.

In the statement, Musk described Altman as an “untrustworthy asshole” and accused him of having “stole an open source nonprofit.” The characterization reflects Musk’s longstanding criticism of OpenAI and its leadership, particularly over the company’s evolution from its original nonprofit structure.

The comments were presented without additional details in the X post, and no further evidence or explanation was provided alongside the statement.

Musk has previously been involved with OpenAI during its early development. The organization was established in 2015 with a nonprofit structure and a stated focus on developing artificial intelligence for broad benefit. Over time, OpenAI developed a more complex corporate structure as it sought to raise capital and expand its artificial intelligence operations.

OpenAI’s Evolution Has Remained a Point of Dispute

OpenAI’s organizational structure and its transition from its original nonprofit model have become recurring subjects of debate involving Musk and the company.

The organization was initially founded as a nonprofit research entity. It later created a for-profit subsidiary under the oversight of its nonprofit parent, allowing it to pursue significant investment while maintaining the nonprofit governance structure.

That evolution has been particularly relevant to Musk, who has challenged OpenAI’s direction and its relationship with Microsoft. His disputes with the company have included legal action and public criticism concerning its corporate structure, mission and development of artificial intelligence technology.

Musk’s latest statement does not provide new details about those disputes, but instead focuses directly on Altman’s personal trustworthiness and OpenAI’s origins.

Musk and Altman Remain at Odds Over OpenAI

Musk and Altman have become prominent figures in the broader debate surrounding the development and governance of advanced artificial intelligence.

Musk was among the early figures involved in establishing OpenAI but later departed from the organization. Altman subsequently became one of its most prominent leaders as OpenAI expanded its research and commercial operations.

Their disagreement has continued publicly as OpenAI has grown into one of the most closely watched companies in the artificial intelligence industry.

Musk’s latest comments, as reported in the X post, specifically target Altman rather than announcing a new legal or corporate development. The statement also does not include a response from Altman or OpenAI addressing the allegations.

The dispute illustrates the continuing tension surrounding OpenAI’s transformation from its original nonprofit beginnings into a major artificial intelligence company with substantial commercial operations.

writer: Ethan Collins
Crypto Journalist
Ethan Collins reports on developments across the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector. His work covers market movements, protocol updates, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in digital assets.
He focuses on presenting complex topics in a clear and accessible manner for a broad readership.