Staff Reports
In a surprising twist to the ongoing drama surrounding OpenAI, Elon Musk has thrown his hat in the ring with a mega $97.4 billion unsolicited bid to take control of the AI giant. Musk, known for his knack for stirring the pot, is in active combat with OpenAI’s chief, Sam Altman, highlighting the tech world’s tendency to resemble a soap opera more than a boardroom.
According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, Musk’s bid isn’t just a flash in the pan but is backed by heavyweight investors from top venture capital firms and even the Endeavor CEO, Ari Emanuel. This ambitious offer comes at a time when OpenAI is attempting to transition from a nonprofit organization to a for-profit enterprise, raising eyebrows among those who remember when the company claimed to prioritize safety and open-source access. Naturally, it’s Musk’s own AI venture, xAI, that could stand to benefit from this merger—if the deal goes through, which seems as likely as a cat actually managing to catch its own tail.
Musk’s intention is clear: he wants to reshape OpenAI back into what he feels it should be—a friendly neighborhood AI that cares more about humanity than profit margins. This vision was met with laughter from Altman, who quipped that OpenAI might be interested in purchasing Musk’s social media platform X for $9.74 billion instead. In what can only be described as a competitive game of chicken, Musk did not take this jab lightly and dismissed Altman as a “swindler,” a poetic touch in the feud that has resulted in public barbs and legal skirmishes.
The unsolicited offer was officially tendered through Musk’s attorney while he simultaneously pursues litigation against OpenAI, making it a classic case of simultaneously trying to negotiate a deal while throwing a wrench in the works. It’s like trying to bake a cake while also microwaving a pizza. Musk even indicated that he and his crew are prepared to outbid any rivals for OpenAI’s nonprofit rights, couched in his desire to ensure the “most transformative technology” remains ethically guided. It raises the question: does this man ever sleep?
AI Battle Royale: Elon Musk Bids $97 Billion to Buy OpenAI, Sam Altman Counters with Offer for X https://t.co/ZD5waL05S0
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) February 11, 2025
But the plot thickens. Recent legal dust-ups concerning Musk’s lawsuit have gained traction, with a federal judge allowing parts of his case to proceed which, under scrutiny, could challenge OpenAI’s conversion to a for-profit model. His allegations portray OpenAI as a gluttonous monster that’s lost its altruistic essence to chase profit, turning it into a “market-paralyzing gorgon.” Meanwhile, OpenAI’s leadership has countered by branding Musk’s legal maneuvers as nothing more than a desperate measure to gain competitive traction—deflecting the notion that they’ve abandoned their noble mission.
As OpenAI bathes in the glow of a staggering $157 billion valuation, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Investors and tech enthusiasts alike now grapple with visions of a corporate landscape dominated by two feuding giants. Musk’s move could jeopardize everything, particularly if regulators in California decide Altman’s valuation of the nonprofit is woefully inadequate. If so, they may intervene, leaving Huffpost readers to wonder if this will be an opportunity lost for innovation or just another day in the shifting sands of Silicon Valley politics.
