10 Key Moments from the Musk vs. Altman Trial: Credibility, IPOs, and a Donkey Trophy

The high-stakes legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reached its climax in the third week, with both sides launching scorching attacks on each other's credibility. As the jury prepares to deliver an advisory verdict, here are the ten most critical takeaways from the dramatic proceedings.

1. Altman's Credibility Under Fire

OpenAI's CEO faced intense scrutiny over his alleged history of dishonesty and self-dealing. Musk's legal team highlighted instances where Altman supposedly misrepresented facts about companies that do business with OpenAI. The goal was to paint Altman as unreliable, questioning whether the jury could trust his version of events regarding OpenAI's shift from nonprofit to for-profit. This line of attack set the stage for a broader debate about who was being truthful throughout the saga.

2. Musk Labeled a Power-Seeker

Altman fired back by depicting Elon Musk as someone obsessed with control. He testified that during 2017 discussions about creating a for-profit arm, Musk suggested that if he died, control of OpenAI should pass to his own children—a remark Altman framed as proof of Musk's desire to dominate artificial general intelligence (AGI) development. This countered Musk's claim of being an altruistic AI safety advocate.

3. The Donkey's Ass Trophy: A Symbol of Safety Commitment

To demonstrate OpenAI's dedication to safe AI development, the company introduced a bizarre exhibit: a golden trophy shaped like a donkey's rear end. This award had been given to an employee who was called a “jackass” for pushing back against Musk's aggressive AGI timeline. OpenAI argued this lighthearted gesture reflected their serious commitment to cautious progress—even when it sparked conflict.

4. Closing Arguments with Mugshot-Style Photos

Both legal teams used unflattering side-by-side images of Musk and Altman during closing arguments. The giant screen displayed what looked like mugshots, visually reinforcing the idea that the case had devolved into a personal mudslinging match. Musk's lawyer Steven Molo emphasized that the founders broke their promise to keep OpenAI nonprofit, while Altman's attorney Sarah Eddy countered that no such pledge was ever made.

5. Musk's Legal Team: A Broken Promise to Humanity

Steven Molo argued that Altman and OpenAI president Greg Brockman betrayed the original mission. They allegedly used Musk's donations to build a nonprofit that would benefit humanity, but instead created a for-profit subsidiary that enriched themselves. Molo claimed this breach of trust warranted unwinding OpenAI's restructuring and imposing massive damages.

6. OpenAI's Defense: No Promise, Late Lawsuit

Sarah Eddy contended that Altman and Brockman never committed to keeping OpenAI purely nonprofit. She maintained that while the company restructured, its core nonprofit mission of safely developing AI remained intact. Eddy also argued that Musk filed his lawsuit too late—and that his real motive was to sabotage a competitor, xAI, his own AI company launched in 2023.

7. The $134 Billion Demand and Restructuring Request

Musk is asking the court to reverse OpenAI's 2025 conversion of its for-profit arm into a public benefit corporation. He also wants Altman and Brockman removed from leadership. Beyond that, Musk seeks up to $134 billion in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft, with the money going to OpenAI's nonprofit division. This astronomical sum underscored the enormity of the stakes.

8. Jury Deliberation and Advisory Verdict

After hearing all testimony, the jury began deliberating on Monday. Their verdict will be advisory—meaning the judge has final say. However, the jury's opinion carries significant weight and could shape the judge's decision. A ruling is expected as soon as next week, potentially altering the trajectory of AI governance.

9. IPO Shockwaves: OpenAI and xAI

If the judge rules in Musk's favor, OpenAI's race toward an IPO at a near-$1 trillion valuation could be derailed. Meanwhile, xAI is reportedly planning to go public through Musk's rocket company SpaceX as early as June, with a target valuation of $1.75 trillion. Both companies' financial futures hang in the balance based on this trial's outcome.

10. The Verdict's Broader Impact on AI Control

Beyond the courtroom drama, this case highlights a fundamental debate: who should control AGI development—a single billionaire, a nonprofit board, or a for-profit corporation? The judge's decision could set a precedent for how AI companies structure themselves and balance profit with safety. Regardless of which side prevails, the trial has already exposed deep divisions in the tech world about the path to artificial general intelligence.

As the jury deliberates, both Musk and Altman have staked their reputations on the outcome. The advisory verdict may not be binding, but it will send a powerful message about credibility, ambition, and the future of artificial intelligence.