Tech Titans Are Clashing Over The $500bn AI Investment Announced By Trump

The tech world erupted on Wednesday as leading moguls traded barbs over Stargate, a $500 billion artificial intelligence initiative announced by Donald Trump. Dubbed the most ambitious AI investment in history, the project is a collaboration between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, with Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund as a principal investor. However, the high-profile partnership has sparked fierce rivalry among industry heavyweights.

At the center of the storm is Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a Trump confidant. Musk dismissed Stargate as a “financial farce,” alleging that SoftBank lacks the promised funds. Musk, known for his bombastic presence on his social media platform X, escalated his critique by sharing a crack-pipe meme aimed at OpenAI’s financial estimates. His tweets represented an unusual public break with the White House, where he has been a senior adviser.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, initially responded diplomatically, praising Musk’s achievements. However, his tone shifted, subtly accusing Musk of prioritising personal interests over national progress: “I hope you’ll mostly put America first.” Altman’s remarks referenced Musk’s frequent criticism of initiatives that may rival his own companies.

Meanwhile, Oracle’s Larry Ellison and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son have largely avoided the fray, with Son positioned as Stargate’s chair. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, another AI powerhouse, stayed neutral but confirmed Microsoft’s independent $80 billion commitment to expanding Azure’s infrastructure.

The tension stems from a deeper feud between Musk and Altman, whose falling-out began after Musk’s departure from OpenAI in 2018. Musk’s recent legal battles against OpenAI over its for-profit shift have only fanned the flames. While Stargate is poised to revolutionize AI infrastructure, the bickering among tech titans underscores the fierce competition driving the sector and the egos shaping its future.

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