AI Super Bowl: Musk vs. OpenAI
Elon Musk Wants OpenAI Back. Sam Altman Says “Nah.” And Also, Europe Isn’t Feeling Tesla Right Now.
So, Elon Musk, the guy who bought his way into the U.S. White House, is now trying to buy his way back into OpenAI—the AI research lab he co-founded but then left in 2018. His bid? $97.4 billion—which, for context, is about 10 Twitters (hold that thought).
And how did OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, respond? With the kind of effortless billionaire-level banter we all secretly wish we could pull off:
“No thank you but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want,” Altman wrote on X.
That, folks, is corporate clapback perfection. But let’s rewind and figure out how we got here.
The Backstory: Musk’s OpenAI Exit and Now-Not-So-Friendly Return
OpenAI started in 2015 with an idealistic mission—to develop AI responsibly and keep it open-source for the benefit of all humanity. But in 2018, Musk resigned from its board, citing conflicts of interest with Tesla’s AI ambitions.
Then things changed. OpenAI transitioned from a non-profit to a “capped-profit” company, bringing in Microsoft as a $13 billion investor and launching ChatGPT, turning AI into the hottest thing since sliced bitcoin.
Meanwhile, Musk—ever the disruptor—sued OpenAI in 2024, accusing it of betraying its original mission. And now, his solution? Just buy the whole thing back and hit the reset button.
Why Is Musk Doing This?
There are a few possible reasons:
Reclaiming the Throne – Musk co-founded OpenAI, left, and now thinks it’s gone off the rails. If he gets control, he could steer it back to what he believes it should be — dominating humanity.
AI as the Next Power Play – Musk isn’t just an AI spectator; he’s got his own startup, xAI, developing a so-called truth-seeking AI. Acquiring OpenAI would put him ahead overnight, and let’s be honest, Musk hates coming in second.
Desperation Play? – Okay, maybe not desperate in the traditional sense, but Musk’s reputation is looking shaky.
Meanwhile, Tesla Sales Are Tanking in Europe
In case you haven’t been tracking EV trends, Tesla is having a rough time in Europe right now. And while there’s no single cause, one glaring factor stands out: Elon Musk himself.
Here’s why:
Political Drama: Musk’s increasing support for right-wing figures and policies in the U.S. and Europe hasn’t exactly won him fans in places like Germany, where Tesla has a major manufacturing presence.
Boycott Energy: A growing number of European EV buyers say they won’t buy a Tesla specifically because of Musk’s political views.
The Brand Problem: Tesla was once seen as the cool, progressive EV choice. Now? A lot of former fans feel like Musk turned it into a political statement.
So, while Musk wants OpenAI back, maybe he should also focus on winning back customers who now see buying a Tesla as an endorsement of his Twitter rants.
The Super Bowl 2025 Parallel: Musk vs. Altman = Lamar vs. Drake
If you caught Super Bowl 2025’s halftime show, you saw the ultimate rap feud play out on a stadium-sized stage. Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake.
Lamar is the purist. Focused on legacy, respect, and keeping it real.
Drake-ego. Less about principles, more about ego and power moves.
Lamar throws surgical strikes. Including Williams - Drakes’ ex - dancing at the Super Bowl.
Drake fumes.
Now replace Lamar with Altman and Drake with Musk, and you have an AI Super Bowl half time.
They Not Like Us
Musk’s offer is still on the table, but OpenAI doesn’t seem interested. Meanwhile, Microsoft is watching all of this like a referee who owns the stadium, the teams, and the broadcast rights.
And if Altman really wants to deliver the ultimate flex?
He could actually buy Twitter for $9.74 billion.
Now that would be the kind of twist even AI wouldn’t have seen coming.