Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman, and Microsoft reached a critical phase on May 14, 2026, as closing arguments were presented in an Oakland, California, federal courthouse. The trial, which began last month, centers on Musk’s allegations that OpenAI breached its original charitable mission by prioritizing profit over AI safety and nonprofit values. Musk’s legal team argued that OpenAI and its executives, particularly Altman, misused Musk’s donations and engaged in self-dealing for personal financial gain, including through stock grants and transactions with affiliated entities .
Musk’s attorneys emphasized Altman’s alleged lack of credibility, citing testimony from former OpenAI colleagues, including co-founder Ilya Sutskever and board members Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley, to undermine his claims of transparency. The lawsuit, initially filed in 2024, expanded to include Microsoft, with Musk accusing the tech giant of aiding OpenAI’s deviation from its nonprofit ethos. Musk seeks Altman’s removal from OpenAI’s board and billions in damages, though he has stated any financial award would be donated to OpenAI’s nonprofit arm .
The trial has featured high-profile witnesses, including Musk, Altman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and OpenAI board chair Bret Taylor, offering insights into the organization’s contentious history. The nine-person jury’s verdict is advisory, with the presiding judge retaining the authority to overrule it. If OpenAI or Microsoft are found liable, a separate phase will determine damages .
OpenAI’s legal team countered Musk’s claims, arguing that the organization’s structure evolved but its mission remained intact. The outcome of the trial could significantly impact OpenAI’s planned IPO later this year and the broader AI industry’s regulatory and ethical frameworks .
> Background: **Jury deliberates Musks claim OpenAI abandoned nonprofit mission for profit.** — *1 hours ago*