Elon Musk Had ‘Hair-Raising’ Idea of Passing OpenAI Onto His Kids, Sam Altman Says
Sam Altman just revealed what Elon Musk wanted to do with OpenAI—and it wasn't what you'd expect.
Why it matters
Court testimony from OpenAI's CEO provides rare insider insight into Musk's strategic thinking around OpenAI control and succession, revealing friction between founders over company direction that has never been publicly detailed before.
The key facts
10 to knowSam Altman testified in Musk v. Altman trial (May 2026)
Musk allegedly proposed passing OpenAI to his children
Testimony focused on accusations of deception and Musk's financial network tied to OpenAI
Altman characterized Musk as obsessed with controlling the company
Direct quotes from legal proceedings provide rare transparency into internal OpenAI dynamics
Sam Altman testified in Musk v. Altman trial
Described as 'hair-raising' idea by Altman
Testimony focused on control/governance disputes and Musk's alleged obsession with controlling the company
Lawyers questioned Altman on Musk's financial investment network and deception allegations
Published May 13, 2026
Go to the source
Wired AIwired.com
Publisher excerpt: Musk’s lawyers questioned Altman over allegations of deception and his network of financial investments, but the OpenAI CEO painted a picture of Musk as obsessed with controlling the company.