Latest Updates on The Elon Musk Sam Altman Trial

The Musk v. Altman (OpenAI) trial is in its final stages as of May 16, 2026, with no verdict yet. 

Closing arguments wrapped up on May 14 in federal court in Oakland, California. A nine-person jury began (or will begin) deliberations on Monday, May 18; their verdict is advisory only. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will make the final call on liability and any remedies.

Background of the Lawsuit

Elon Musk sued OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman, President Greg Brockman, and Microsoft (as a co-defendant) in 2024. He alleges they breached the founding nonprofit agreement by shifting to a for-profit model, "stealing a charity," and enriching insiders. Musk claims he was misled into donating ~$38 million and that OpenAI prioritized profits (especially via Microsoft's billions in investments) over its original mission of safe, beneficial AGI for humanity.

He seeks ~$150 billion in damages (payable to the nonprofit), removal of Altman and Brockman, and structural changes. OpenAI counters that Musk knew about for-profit plans early on, wanted control himself (including potentially merging with Tesla), and filed too late under the statute of limitations. They call it "sour grapes" after Musk left in 2018 and later founded rival xAI.

Key Recent Developments (Trial Phase)

• Testimony highlights: Musk, Altman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, former OpenAI figures like Ilya Sutskever and Shivon Zilis (Musk's co-parent and ex-board member), and others testified. Altman's credibility was heavily attacked (e.g., past ousting, investments in companies doing business with OpenAI like Helion Energy). Musk faced questions about his motives and memory.

  
  

• Closing arguments (May 14): Musk's team called Altman untrustworthy and accused OpenAI of arrogance in enriching themselves. OpenAI's lawyers accused Musk of "selective amnesia," wanting control, and waiting too long to sue. Microsoft distanced itself.

  
  

• Musk was absent for closings (traveling with a U.S. delegation to China), which OpenAI highlighted.

  
  

The trial exposed personal rivalries, texts, power plays (e.g., alleged free Teslas for loyalty), and broader questions about AI governance, nonprofit commitments, and founder control.

What's Next

• Jury deliberations start Monday (May 18). They consider issues like breach of charitable trust, unjust enrichment, and aiding/abetting.

  
  

• Judge Gonzalez Rogers will hold hearings on potential remedies (if Musk wins) around the same time. No remedies if he loses. Appeals are likely either way.

  
  

• A decision could come as soon as next week, though the full process (including remedies phase) may extend further. OpenAI continues operating amid this (valued highly, prepping for potential IPO).

  
  

This is a high-stakes case for AI's direction, but outcomes remain uncertain given the judge's ultimate authority. 17GEN4.com