Lawyers for Elon Musk wrapped up their case against OpenAI on Thursday, asserting in closing arguments that they have proven the AI giant misused the millions of dollars Musk donated and violated its duty to uphold the organization's founding ethos. Attorney Steven Molo argued that OpenAI violated its nonprofit mission to pursue safe, powerful AI for the world, instead allowing executives to seek personal gain through stock grants and self-dealing.
OpenAI's lawyers will now argue that the organization's structure has changed but its mission has not. The case hinges on whether the shift to a for-profit model breached the original charitable promise. Musk wants CEO Sam Altman ousted from OpenAI's board, along with billions of dollars in damages, though he says he would donate any winnings back to OpenAI's nonprofit arm.
Molo placed particular emphasis on Altman's trustworthiness, claiming his assertions of honesty were undercut by testimony from former colleagues including Ilya Sutskever, Mira Murati, and ex-board members Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley. The lawsuit, filed in 2024, targets Altman and President Greg Brockman alongside OpenAI itself.
The trial's outcome could reshape how AI companies balance profit motives with their stated public-benefit missions. A verdict against OpenAI might force structural changes or significant financial penalties, while a win for the defense would affirm the legality of its for-profit pivot.
OpenAI's defense team is expected to highlight the company's continued commitment to safety and broad access to AI tools, arguing that the structural evolution was necessary to secure the capital required for advanced research.