OpenAI Rejects Elon Musk’s $97.4 Billion Offer, Reaffirms It’s Not for Sale
OpenAI’s board has unanimously declined Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion acquisition proposal, emphasizing that the company is not available for purchase. CEO Sam Altman criticized the move, labeling it an attempt to hinder competition and describing Musk as insecure.
In a statement on X, OpenAI board chair Bret Taylor reiterated Altman’s stance, stating that Musk’s offer was an effort to disrupt a competitor rather than a genuine attempt to contribute to the company’s mission.
“OpenAI is not for sale, and its board has unanimously refused Mr. Musk’s proposal,” calling it another attempt to interfere with competition.” ** it his latest attempt to interfere with competitors.” ** Any future restructuring of OpenAI will further strengthen our nonprofit mission “To guarantee that AGI serves the best interests of humanity,” Taylor stated.
Musk, along with a group of investors, had submitted the bid to acquire OpenAI’s nonprofit division, arguing that the company should return to its original focus on open-source development and AI safety.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Altman firmly rejected the proposal, stating that Musk’s primary goal was to slow OpenAI down. He also remarked on Musk’s competitive nature, adding that he believes the Tesla and xAI founder operates from a place of insecurity.
“I would prefer if he focused on creating a superior product rather than attempting to disrupt us,” Altman stated. “It appears that insecurity influences many aspects of his life.”I don’t think he’s a happy person.”
