Stargate AI project sparks tension between Trump and Musk
A rift between Trump and Musk emerges as AI project funding is questioned.
President Donald Trump dismissed criticism from Elon Musk regarding a $500 billion artificial intelligence project announced earlier this week. The venture, named Stargate, involves OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, with plans to construct data centres and create over 100,000 US jobs. Key leaders, including Masayoshi Son of SoftBank, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Larry Ellison of Oracle, joined Trump at the White House for the announcement.
Musk, who has served as a close adviser to Trump, expressed doubts on social media about the project’s financial backing, claiming SoftBank lacks the necessary funds. The Tesla CEO and world’s richest man has a long-standing rivalry with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, a central figure in the initiative. Musk questioned whether the collaboration could secure adequate investment for the ambitious venture.
In response, Trump dismissed the concerns, suggesting Musk’s comments stemmed from personal animosity toward Altman. Trump highlighted that the project would not rely on government funding, emphasising that the private entities involved are financially capable. He downplayed any potential fallout with Musk, stating that disagreements are natural in such high-stakes partnerships.
A Trump adviser hinted that tensions between the two could escalate, potentially jeopardising their working relationship. Musk currently leads Trump’s government efficiency initiative, raising questions about how this dispute might affect their collaboration.
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