Jurors are deliberating whether OpenAI acted improperly as it transitioned to a more profit-focused entity, following closing arguments from Elon Musk and OpenAI's legal teams this week.
The Trust Question
A major theme in the trial's conclusion is the trustworthiness of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Musk's lawyer, Steve Molo, questioned Altman about the truthfulness of his statements during congressional testimony. This scrutiny is set against the backdrop of Musk's history of misleading statements, as noted by TechCrunch's Kirsten Korosec, Sean O’Kane, and Anthony Ha on the TechCrunch’s Equity podcast.
Kirsten Korosec emphasized the broader industry-wide trust issue, saying, "It’s really come down to trust... because these are all privately held companies, there’s a lot behind the veil still."
Who Trusts Sam Altman?
This topic inspired TechCrunch writer Tim Fernholz to question, "Who trusts Sam Altman?" Anthony Ha reflected on how trust is central to understanding developments at OpenAI, particularly the executive power struggle known as "The Blip." Altman himself has admitted to being conflict-averse, which may contribute to misunderstandings.
Anthony Ha noted, "I can understand how that can lead to misunderstandings in some situations." Sean O’Kane stated outright, "I don’t trust him," expressing a general skepticism towards most people.
Trial and Testimony
During the trial, Altman faced intense scrutiny over his past statements about not having equity in OpenAI, which proved false due to his stake through Y Combinator. Altman attempted to clarify by saying, "I assume that everybody understands what it means to be a passive investor in a VC fund." Elon Musk’s lawyer challenged this assumption, questioning if lawmakers were aware of this detail.
Kirsten Korosec pointed out the difference in Altman and Musk's courtroom demeanor. While Musk's approach was combative, Altman tried to appear affable, claiming to be working on his transparency issues.
Industry-Wide Trust Issues
The trial's outcome could have significant implications for the tech industry, where trust is a fundamental yet elusive element. Korosec raised broader concerns, suggesting that while intentions in the tech world may be noble, misuse can still occur, leading to problematic outcomes.
The trial's conclusion remains uncertain, but it highlights critical questions about trust in the evolving landscape of AI and technology companies.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/17/why-trust-is-a-big-question-at-the-elon-musk-openai-trial/
