OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said Elon Musk attempted to take control of the company to turn it into a profit-making venture [1].

The dispute highlights a fundamental conflict over the governance of artificial intelligence and whether the technology should be managed as a public good or a commercial enterprise.

Speaking in San Francisco, Altman said to Reuters that Musk's interests were financial rather than ideological [1]. He said that Musk wanted to seize control of the organization to make money, which would contradict the founding mission of OpenAI to benefit the public [1].

"Elon Musk wants to take control of OpenAI and turn it into a profit machine, not to serve the public good," Altman said [1].

Altman denied any personal betrayal of the company's original goals. He said, "I never betrayed OpenAI’s mission; it’s Musk who’s trying to seize the company" [1].

These remarks contrast with public statements made by Musk. Musk has said his goal is to ensure that AI benefits humanity and denied that he is attempting to take over the company [1].

The tension between the two figures reflects the broader struggle within the tech industry to balance rapid commercial scaling with safety and transparency. As OpenAI continues to lead the generative AI market, the question of its corporate structure remains a point of contention, particularly as it transitions from its non-profit roots.

“"Elon Musk wants to take control of OpenAI and turn it into a profit machine, not to serve the public good."”

This conflict underscores the tension between the non-profit origins of OpenAI and its current status as a commercial powerhouse. If the allegations are true, it suggests a strategic battle for the direction of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), where the choice is between a controlled, mission-driven entity and a profit-driven corporate model.