BUSINESS

Altman Testifies as Musk Seeks OpenAI Leadership Change

PUBLISHED May 13, 2026, 3:01 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 100%

Sources: 7

OAKLAND, California: Sam Altman took the witness stand Tuesday in a federal trial in Oakland to defend his leadership of OpenAI against a lawsuit filed by co-founder Elon Musk seeking Altman's removal. Altman testified about concerns over Musk's attempts to gain control as OpenAI transitioned from a nonprofit to a high-value commercial enterprise. Oakland coverage this week notes that the dispute centers on governance, a $38 million injection Musk described as intended to sustain research, and OpenAI’s 2019 decision to create a for-profit arm. The trial, now more than two weeks underway, has prompted scrutiny from investors, rival firms including Anthropic, and could influence upcoming IPO plans.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2015: OpenAI founded as a nonprofit focused on AGI research.
2019: OpenAI created a for-profit subsidiary to attract large investments.
Early funding: Elon Musk provided early support, referenced around a $38 million injection.
Musk filed a civil lawsuit seeking Altman's removal and alleging mission abandonment.
This week: Sam Altman testified in an Oakland federal trial defending his leadership.

News Intelligence

This trial could influence the future of OpenAI, a major player in artificial intelligence. If Musk takes control, the company's direction could shift. For anyone interested in AI, this is a key event to watch.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

Investors and competing AI firms may gain clarity on governance and market positioning after legal outcomes, potentially adjusting strategies and investment decisions.

Who Impacted

OpenAI leadership and staff face reputational and operational uncertainty, while stakeholders confront potential governance disruptions and strategic shifts during litigation.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Investors and competing AI firms may gain clarity on governance and market positioning after legal outcomes, potentially adjusting strategies and investment decisions.

Who Impacted

OpenAI leadership and staff face reputational and operational uncertainty, while stakeholders confront potential governance disruptions and strategic shifts during litigation.