Sam Altman's Subtle Jabs at Elon Musk Highlight Ongoing AI Titans' Feud

Sam Altman's subtle sarcastic jab at Elon Musk adds new fuel to the billionaire feud

The world of artificial intelligence is full of algorithms, innovation -- and increasingly, ego clashes. One such feud that continues to capture attention is the cold war between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Tesla boss Elon Musk. Once close allies who co-founded OpenAI with hopes of steering AI towards a safer, more democratic future, the two tech titans have now grown into sparring figures locked in a public battle of ideologies, corporate control, and personal digs. The latest chapter in this high-profile standoff played out in a new interview with Bloomberg Television, where Altman was asked a seemingly simple question: "How is your relationship with Elon Musk right now?" His response? A coy smile followed by four pointed words: "How do you think?" The reply, though brief, said plenty. Once upon a time, Musk and Altman shared a vision. In 2015, they joined hands to launch OpenAI as a non-profit entity that would democratize artificial intelligence and keep it from being monopolized by big corporations. Fast forward to today, and Musk has filed two lawsuits against the organization he helped birth -- taking issue with OpenAI's shift to a capped for-profit model and its deepening ties with Microsoft. He's accused the company of abandoning its original mission and has publicly derided its leadership. Altman, for his part, hasn't held back either. In past interviews, he's said he feels "sorry" for Musk and hinted that the billionaire's behavior stems from deep-seated insecurity. And when Musk mockingly offered a $97 billion buyout of OpenAI, Altman cheekily responded with a $9.7 billion "bid" to acquire Musk's social media platform X. The Bloomberg interview didn't stop at their rocky professional history. Altman was also asked to weigh in on Musk's recent public spat with Donald Trump, which unfolded in a dramatic display of mudslinging on social media. "Elon busts up with everybody," Altman quipped, shrugging with a tone that conveyed both amusement and resignation. "I mean, come on, that's what he does." The casual remark struck a chord online, further fueling speculation about the depth of their personal rift and Altman's growing confidence in navigating life as the face of OpenAI -- no longer under Musk's long shadow. Altman's light jabs didn't end there. When asked about Musk's newly announced political venture, the so-called America Party, the OpenAI chief seemed almost disinterested. "I don't know, I haven't had a chance to read about it," he said, adding with a shrug, "It's like the America Party or something?" The lack of awareness -- or perhaps deliberate detachment -- was telling. Pressed further on whether he'd consider donating to Musk's political party, Altman didn't flinch. "Outside of those words you just said, everything I know about the party," he replied, drawing a clear line of disinterest in the initiative. As AI continues to evolve and dominate global headlines, the Altman-Musk drama seems almost emblematic of a deeper philosophical divide: one man seeking cautious, collaborative development; the other driven by high-stakes disruption. The feud has spilled over from boardrooms and courtrooms into internet banter and meme culture. Yet, at its core, it reflects how personal relationships among tech's elite can shape -- and shake -- the future of emerging technologies.

Exclusive | Sam Altman jabs rival Elon Musk over Trump divorce: 'Elon busts up...

Sam Altman sported fancy French sunglasses and a big smile Tuesday as he landed for the annual "summer camp for billionaires" in Sun Valley, Idaho. The white-framed Vuarnets hid the gleam behind the OpenAI CEO's eyes as he relished the bitter public divorce between Elon Musk and President Trump. "Elon busts up with everybody, that's what he does," the 40-year-old golden boy behind ChatGPT told Post. Altman, whose estimated net worth is $1.8 billion according to Forbes, knows about the fiery temperament of the world's richest person only too well. He founded OpenAI with Musk in 2015. The men fell out several years ago in a reported spat over whether to move OpenAI and ChatGPT away from its original non-profit mission. Musk left in 2018, with the pair slugging it out in court and on social media ever since. Asked if he might want to consider donating to Musk's recently announced America Party, Altman offered another thinly-veiled dig at his fellow tech bro. "I don't know. I haven't had a chance to read about it," he said of Musk's pledge to form a rival party, leading Trump to call his former first buddy a "train wreck." The view from Altman's designer glasses looked very different just a few short months ago. Musk was in the driver's seat in the race for Trump's embrace and even sat down at cabinet meetings with administration officials as he embarked on an ambitious scheme to slash Uncle Sam's spending. There was also speculation that the South African-born billionaire and former DOGE chief would benefit from further lucrative government contracts that would boost his SpaceX and Starlink projects. That was until Musk and Trump had the mother of all failings out. The Tesla titan insisted it was because he disagrees with Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill." Altman began to get into Trump's good graces by donating $1 million to his inauguration fund in December. He then appeared at the White House the following month alongside Trump to tout his involvement in the massive $500 billion Stargate AI project - leaving Musk simmering. The AI industry stands at a crucial crossroads. The White House, supported by this country's tech titans, wants that sector to be regulated by the federal government, rather than state by state. They argue that it would be confusing for startups and AI giants alike to deal with a patchwork of regulations across America when the US is gunning to win the artificial intelligence race with China. "I think something at the federal level focused on the sort of extremely intricate capabilities in a way that makes it easy for smaller companies to do whatever they want to do, but can sort of keep a check on the biggest safety risks," Altman said.. It would be foolhardy to bet against Musk, even if he is currently locked in an unsightly spat with the most powerful man in the world - who floated the idea of deporting the naturalized American. But Altman doesn't need rose-colored glasses to know that Musk can be his own worst enemy.