Closing arguments concluded on May 15, 2026, in the trial of Elon Musk against OpenAI, with a jury expected to deliberate next week. The case centers on allegations that Sam Altman and other executives misappropriated a charity founded as a nonprofit research lab, transforming it into a for-profit entity. Musk’s legal team claims he was misled into contributing approximately $38 million to OpenAI, which could have significant implications for both parties.
Should the jury find in Musk's favor, potential damages could reach $150 billion, and changes in OpenAI's leadership structure may follow. Regardless of the outcome, the evidence presented during the trial might prompt state regulators to reevaluate OpenAI's transition to a corporate model. Legal experts anticipate that an appeal is likely from the losing side, prolonging the dispute.
Throughout the trial, Musk's team portrayed Altman as unreliable, citing testimonies from former OpenAI staff who described a consistent pattern of dishonesty. This behavior reportedly contributed to Altman's temporary removal as CEO in 2023, raising questions about his credibility and leadership.