'Everything we're doing...': Sam Altman calls Elon Musk 'bully,' explains why Tesla CEO has 'issues' with OpenAI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has spoken candidly about his relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, calling him a “bully” while acknowledging his significant contributions to OpenAI's early success. In an interview with The Free Press, Altman discussed Musk's tendency to engage in public disputes with notable figures like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. “Right now, it’s me. It’s been Bezos, Gates, Zuckerberg, lots of other people,” Altman said.

Musk left OpenAI in 2018 and has since become a critic of the company. Musk even filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging they have strayed from OpenAI’s original nonprofit mission. Despite the friction, Altman described Musk as a "legendary entrepreneur" and suggested Musk would approve of OpenAI's direction if he still had control. “Everything we’re doing, I believe Elon would be happy about if he were in control of OpenAI,” Altman added.

When asked about Musk’s influence, particularly under a potential second Trump administration, Altman expressed confidence in Musk’s restraint. He argued that Musk’s outspoken behaviour on Twitter doesn’t necessarily reflect how he would act politically. “I think there are people who will really be a jerk on Twitter who will still not abuse the system of the country,” Altman said.

Musk is now focused on his AI startup xAI, reportedly valued at $50 billion, making it one of the world’s most valuable startups.

Despite their differences, Altman hopes Musk will act in the country’s best interest, emphasising that using political power to harm competitors would be "profoundly un-American."