The Powers That Be: Daily

Elon v. Altman: The Thrilla in Vanilla

Feb 13, 2025
Bill Cohan, author of 'Dry Powder' and financial expert, joins to dissect the explosive feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman. They dive into Musk's audacious $97 billion bid for OpenAI and Altman's resolute response. The conversation reveals how these former allies are now fierce competitors vying for influence, even within political circles. Cohan also sheds light on the evolving dynamics of AI leadership and the broader implications of Musk's relationship with powerful entities, underscoring the tension in this high-stakes rivalry.
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ANECDOTE

Musk's Offer for OpenAI

  • Elon Musk proposed a $97 billion offer to acquire OpenAI, reigniting his feud with Sam Altman.
  • Altman publicly dismissed the offer, adding to their ongoing personal and professional rivalry.
INSIGHT

A PR Stunt?

  • Bill Cohan views Musk's offer as a PR stunt, highlighting its unprecedented nature as a hostile bid for a nonprofit.
  • He questions the offer's seriousness and the source of funds, emphasizing the personal feud between Musk and Altman.
ANECDOTE

Competition for Trump's Attention

  • Trump invited Altman to the White House for an AI project, prompting Musk to publicly question SoftBank's financial capacity.
  • This highlights the rivalry between the two, as they compete for Trump's attention.
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