Sam Altman calls out Elon Musk: Put the US first over your companies' amid $500B AI feud

Altman challenges Musk’s priorities as their rivalry heats up over the ambitious Stargate AI project.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman reignited their ongoing feud on Wednesday, exchanging heated words on X, Musk’s social media platform. The clash unfolded after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a $500 billion artificial intelligence initiative, Stargate, a joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle aimed at advancing AI infrastructure across the country.

The disagreement began when Musk questioned the financial credibility of the project, claiming, “They don’t actually have the money. SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority,” in separate posts on X.

wrong, as you surely know.

want to come visit the first site already under way?

this is great for the country. i realize what is great for the country isn't always what's optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope you'll mostly put 🇺🇸 first.

— Sam Altman (@sama) January 22, 2025

Altman was quick to counter Musk's claims, stating, “Wrong, as you surely know,” and adding, “I genuinely respect your accomplishments and think you are the most inspiring entrepreneur of our time.”

The tension escalated when Musk resurfaced a 2021 tweet from Altman, in which the OpenAI CEO thanked LinkedIn co-founder and Democratic donor Reid Hoffman for his efforts in ensuring Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election. The tweet read, “Very few people realize just how much @reidhoffman did and spent to stop Trump from getting re-elected. It seems reasonably likely to me that Trump would still be in office without his efforts. Thank you, Reid!”

pic.twitter.com/G539vK6AIP

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 23, 2025

Hoffman, who also funded E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuit against Trump, has hinted at leaving the U.S. following Trump’s re-election in 2024. Meanwhile, Altman appears to have softened his stance toward Trump, stating that recent interactions have “really changed [his] perspective” on the president.

watching @potus more carefully recently has really changed my perspective on him (i wish i had done more of my own thinking and definitely fell in the npc trap).

i'm not going to agree with him on everything, but i think he will be incredible for the country in many ways!

— Sam Altman (@sama) January 23, 2025

The Stargate project, announced as a $500 billion initiative to create advanced AI systems and job opportunities, has drawn both skepticism and support. While Musk continues to criticize the venture’s funding, Altman maintains that the project is on track and aims to benefit the country significantly.