Musk Accuses Altman of Misappropriating Funds Amidst Tesla Roadster Dispute
November 2,2025 – Elon Musk has publicly accused Sam Altman,CEO of OpenAI,of improperly diverting funds from a non-profit organization,escalating a feud sparked by a cancelled order for a Tesla Roadster to be launched into space. The allegations surfaced on social media late Friday, November 1, 2025, adding a layer of financial impropriety to a disagreement initially centered around a symbolic space mission.
The dispute began when SpaceX cancelled an order for a Tesla Roadster intended to be a payload on a future Starship launch. Musk claims Altman had previously committed to the purchase, a commitment he alleges was made under the guise of supporting SpaceX’s space exploration endeavors. This cancellation, coupled with Musk’s accusations of financial misconduct, highlights the increasingly competitive and sometimes acrimonious relationship between the leaders of two of the most prominent companies in the artificial intelligence and space exploration sectors. The situation raises questions about ethical considerations within the rapidly evolving AI landscape and the potential for conflicts of interest when leaders hold positions across multiple ventures.
According to Musk’s posts, Altman allegedly “stole a non-profit” and used its resources for personal gain, though specific details regarding the non-profit and the alleged misappropriation remain limited. Musk did not promptly provide evidence to support his claim, stating further data would be forthcoming.
Altman has not yet publicly responded to Musk’s accusations as of Saturday, November 2, 2025. The unfolding situation is being closely watched by industry observers, investors, and the public, as it involves key figures driving innovation in both AI and space technology. Further developments are expected as Musk promises to release supporting documentation and as Altman perhaps issues a response.