Musk v. Altman Trial Ends with Closing Arguments; Jury to Decide

In the final week of the Musk v. Altman trial, lawyers for Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman clashed over credibility. Altman was grilled on alleged lying and self-dealing, but countered that Musk sought control over AGI development. OpenAI presented a golden donkey trophy given to an employee for standing up to Musk. Closing arguments featured unflattering photos of both men. Musk's lawyer argued Altman and Greg Brockman broke promises to keep OpenAI a nonprofit, while OpenAI's lawyer claimed no such promises were made and that Musk sued too late to sabotage competitor xAI. Musk seeks to unwind OpenAI's 2025 restructuring, remove Altman and Brockman, and claim up to $134 billion in damages. The jury will begin deliberating Monday, delivering a non-binding advisory verdict. A judge will decide the case. If Musk wins, OpenAI's IPO could be upended; xAI plans to go public via SpaceX as early as June at a $1.75 trillion valuation. Altman testified Musk wanted control to pass to his children. Former executives testified Altman lied. Altman also tried to steer OpenAI to buy from Helion Energy, which he partly owns. The US House oversight committee launched an investigation into Altman's conflicts. Musk was absent, having flown to China with President Trump. OpenAI's lawyer argued the nonprofit still controls the for-profit, but critics say the nonprofit has no real voice. A protester outside court wore a Musk costume holding ketamine and driving a Cybertruck.