Elon Musk and Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, are once again making headlines after a clash over the Stargate AI project, a large-scale infrastructure initiative recently announced by former President Donald Trump.

The project, which aims to invest up to $500 billion, is a joint venture between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. It focuses on building AI data centers and the necessary energy systems to support the rapid growth of AI technologies.

Trump was vocal in his support for the initiative, calling it a "declaration of confidence in America's potential." However, Musk quickly questioned the financial backing of the project, raising doubts about its viability. On his social media platform, X, he claimed that SoftBank had secured less than $10 billion for the initiative.

Sam Altman, in response, defended the project, inviting Musk to visit the construction site in Texas. He stated that while some projects may not align with Musk’s interests, they are beneficial for the country as a whole.

This public dispute is only the latest chapter in a long-running rivalry between the two tech billionaires. Musk’s disagreement with OpenAI started years ago when he sued the company, accusing it of straying from its initial mission as a nonprofit dedicated to AI research for the public good.

Musk, now leading his own AI company, xAI, has been vocal about his concerns regarding OpenAI’s transformation into a for-profit entity, especially in partnership with Microsoft.

The Stargate project, first reported in March 2024, has already started with a data center being constructed in Abilene, Texas. The center will be powered by renewable energy, with a mix of solar, oil, and gas resources. Local officials in Abilene are optimistic about the economic benefits the project will bring.

While Musk has expressed skepticism, other tech giants like Microsoft are deeply involved in the initiative, with a focus on research and AI model training. Microsoft has committed $80 billion globally to build out AI infrastructure, with a significant portion earmarked for U.S. projects.

SOURCE: APNEWS | PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES