POLITICO Tech All about Stargate, the AI project splitting Musk and Trump
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Jan 23, 2025 Christa Marshall, Energy Technology Editor at E&E News, joins to discuss the ambitious $500 billion Stargate initiative. The conversation dives into the friction between Trump’s tech investment and Musk’s skepticism. What's the impact on the U.S. energy grid? Marshall unpacks the energy demands from AI data centers and explores how this venture intertwines with national security. She also highlights the political tensions surrounding clean energy policies and the conflicting interests of major tech figures.
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Musk vs. Altman on Stargate
- Elon Musk questioned Stargate's funding on X, prompting a response from OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman.
- Altman defended the project and invited Musk to visit a data center, highlighting a clash between tech leaders.
Stargate's Ambitious Plan
- Stargate, backed by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX, plans to invest $500 billion in AI data centers.
- Construction has already begun in Abilene, Texas, with each data center building spanning half a million square feet.
Trump's Role in Stargate
- While Stargate predates Trump's presidency, he expressed strong support, hinting at future executive orders.
- Trump sees AI's energy demands as key to his broader energy policy, focusing on fossil fuels and drilling.