Elon Musk took the stand on Tuesday, April 29, 2026, to accuse OpenAI and its chief executive Sam Altman of betraying the AI company’s founding mission, in a trial that could force the ChatGPT maker to significantly restructure its business.
Musk’s central claim is that Altman steered OpenAI away from its original nonprofit, altruistic purpose and transformed it into a profit-driven company competing against major tech players including Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
OpenAI was founded with a stated mission to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity rather than commercial gain. Musk, one of the company’s early backers, argues that its current trajectory represents a fundamental betrayal of that commitment.
The trial carries significant implications that could extend well beyond the two parties involved. A ruling against OpenAI may compel the company to substantially overhaul how it operates, potentially affecting its business model and its relationships with investors and partners across the AI industry.
Source: Tech-Economic Times