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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.

Reporting by Wired AI 1 min brief
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The KeyNews take

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 know

  1. Sam Altman testified in Musk v. Altman trial (May 2026)

  2. Musk allegedly proposed passing OpenAI to his children

  3. Testimony focused on accusations of deception and Musk's financial network tied to OpenAI

  4. Altman characterized Musk as obsessed with controlling the company

  5. Direct quotes from legal proceedings provide rare transparency into internal OpenAI dynamics

  6. Sam Altman testified in Musk v. Altman trial

  7. Described as 'hair-raising' idea by Altman

  8. Testimony focused on control/governance disputes and Musk's alleged obsession with controlling the company

  9. Lawyers questioned Altman on Musk's financial investment network and deception allegations

  10. 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.
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