Sam Altman called Elon Musk a bully in a Vanity Fair interview, but said he would work with him “of course.” He was describing a willingness to cooperate—not announcing a partnership or saying the two had reconciled.
What Altman said about Musk
In the interview, Vanity Fair journalist Mark Aduchi asked Altman about his public criticism of Musk and whether it sat uneasily with calls for cooperation across the AI industry. Altman responded:
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“Look, I don’t like bullies, and I think Elon’s a bully. And so I think once in a while you got to punch a bully back in the nose. And I also think Elon, like many bullies, only respects people who do. So if you want me to be able to work with him, maybe you should be happy I hit back once in a while, but I will work with Elon, of course.”
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Altman also said he would not describe himself as a saint and questioned whether he was the person who should be singled out for criticism in their relationship. His answer framed his barbs as pushback, while leaving open the possibility of cooperation.
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Why he said cooperation matters
Altman connected the personal exchange to a broader argument: people and companies shaping AI may need to make decisions collectively, even when they dislike one another. He also called for government involvement in decisions about AI. The point was that cooperation can be necessary without implying personal agreement or friendship.
The history between Altman and Musk
Musk co-founded OpenAI and served as its co-chair alongside Altman. He left the organization’s board in 2018, according to contemporaneous coverage by The Wrap. That history helps explain why questions about their relationship arise in discussions of AI leadership, but it does not establish what either would mean by working together now.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Altman announce a project with Musk?
No. The interview records Altman saying he would work with Musk, but does not identify a joint venture, agreement, negotiation, or project. It is best read as a statement of willingness to cooperate, not evidence that a collaboration is planned or that their differences have been settled.
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