OpenAI CEO Turns Down Musk’s Takeover Proposal

Elon Musk-led investors have proposed acquiring OpenAI for $97 billion, but OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has firmly declined the offer. The proposal, which emerged amid growing tensions between Musk and OpenAI, highlights the ongoing power struggle over the future of artificial intelligence.

Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI who later parted ways with the company, has been openly critical of its direction. He has repeatedly voiced concerns about OpenAI’s shift from a nonprofit research lab to a commercially driven organization. His offer to buy the company is seen as an attempt to regain control and steer it toward his vision of AI development.

Despite the staggering $97 billion offer, Altman and OpenAI’s board swiftly rejected the deal. OpenAI, which has gained massive influence with its advanced AI models like ChatGPT, has no intention of selling to Musk. The company has secured strong partnerships with Microsoft and other major investors, making external takeovers unlikely.

Musk’s strained relationship with OpenAI has been well-documented. He sued the company earlier this year, accusing it of abandoning its original mission of developing AI for the benefit of humanity. OpenAI, in response, has defended its strategy, arguing that financial sustainability is necessary for long-term AI progress.

The billionaire entrepreneur has also pursued his own AI ambitions through xAI, a startup focused on creating safer artificial intelligence models. His chatbot, Grok, is integrated into X (formerly Twitter), and he aims to compete directly with OpenAI’s technology.

Industry experts speculate that Musk’s buyout attempt was not just about ownership but about shifting the balance of power in AI development. If successful, the acquisition could have disrupted the existing partnerships between OpenAI and companies like Microsoft. However, with OpenAI rejecting the offer outright, Musk will likely continue building his own AI empire through xAI.

This bid also raises questions about the future of AI governance and competition. OpenAI’s refusal to sell suggests confidence in its current trajectory, while Musk’s efforts highlight the increasing commercialization of artificial intelligence. The rejection signals that OpenAI is unwilling to compromise on its independence, even in the face of a nearly $100 billion offer.

For now, OpenAI remains firmly in control of its future, while Musk’s rivalry with the company is expected to intensify. The AI industry continues to evolve rapidly, with both OpenAI and xAI pushing the boundaries of what artificial intelligence can achieve.