In a stunning development, Elon Musk has reportedly made a $97.4 billion bid to regain control of OpenAI, the artificial intelligence organization he co-founded. This move comes amid ongoing tensions between Musk and OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, as the latter pursues plans to convert the nonprofit into a for-profit entity. The unsolicited offer complicates Altman’s strategy, particularly as OpenAI’s valuation has soared to approximately $260 billion, a stark contrast to Musk’s bid.

Musk’s investment group emphasizes their commitment to restoring OpenAI’s original mission as an open-source, safety-focused organization. This announcement follows a series of public disputes between Musk and Altman, including a lawsuit Musk filed against OpenAI regarding its shift in structure and leadership. Musk has been vocal about his concerns, labeling Altman as “Scamman” and expressing distrust in OpenAI’s direction.

In a cheeky response to Musk’s offer, Altman suggested he would be willing to buy Twitter for $9.74 billion, a jab that underscores the ongoing rivalry between the two tech figures. The recent spat has not only drawn attention to the future of OpenAI but also raised questions about its leadership and the ethical implications of AI development.

Musk’s bid signals a potentially transformative moment for OpenAI, as the investor group claims they are prepared to match any higher offers. The outcome of this saga remains uncertain, especially given the ongoing legal battles and the complexities surrounding OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit model. As the competition heats up in the AI sector, observers are left to wonder whether Musk can reclaim his stake in a company that has rapidly evolved into a major player in the tech landscape.