Musk sues OpenAI for stolen charity

Musk sues OpenAI for stolen charity

May 4, 2026 · 9 min

About this episode

Elon Musk is suing OpenAI over allegations of breaching a charitable trust related to its nonprofit mission.

The high-stakes federal civil trial in Oakland between Elon Musk and OpenAI , specifically focusing on CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman . Musk alleges that the defendants breached a charitable trust by abandoning OpenAI’s original nonprofit mission to prioritize a multi-billion dollar partnership with Microsoft . During his three days of testimony, Musk faced intense cross-examination where the defense used past emails to suggest he previously supported a for-profit model under his own control. The trial also highlighted broader industry tensions, including the existential risks of AI and evidence that Musk’s company, xAI , utilized OpenAI’s software for its own development. While a nine-person advisory jury was empaneled to hear the case, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will ultimately issue the final ruling on liability and potential damages.

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