Elon Musk's Power Grab: How an $80B Mars Dream Nearly Destroyed OpenAI - Blockonomi

by · Blockonomi

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  • Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president, revealed Elon Musk attempted to seize complete control of the organization in 2017
  • Musk reportedly required $80 billion for his Mars colonization project and viewed OpenAI as a fundraising vehicle
  • Brockman recounted fearing a physical altercation with Musk during a contentious boardroom confrontation
  • After his ownership demands were denied, Musk abruptly exited and threatened to cut off financial support
  • OpenAI considers a massive $1 trillion public offering in 2026; SpaceX plans to go public in June

In dramatic courtroom testimony this week, Greg Brockman, co-founder and president of OpenAI, delivered explosive revelations about his company’s tumultuous relationship with Elon Musk. Speaking from a federal courtroom in Oakland, California, Brockman provided unprecedented insight into the legal dispute between the billionaire entrepreneur and the artificial intelligence company.

During his testimony, Brockman described a critical August 2017 encounter where Musk asserted he deserved controlling interest in OpenAI based on his proven business accomplishments. The Tesla CEO also expressed his desire to assume leadership of the organization, with Brockman noting that Sam Altman was considered the only alternative candidate for the position.

As discussions turned to an equity arrangement that Musk opposed, the atmosphere became volatile. Brockman recalled to the courtroom: “I actually thought he was going to hit me.” Musk responded with “I decline” before abruptly departing the room.

Following his dramatic exit, Musk declared he would cease providing [[LINK_START_0]]OpenAI[[LINK_END_0]] with funding until his demands were addressed. Since the company’s establishment in 2015, Musk had served as one of its primary financial contributors.

Brockman’s testimony also revealed that Musk advocated for transforming OpenAI into a for-profit entity during this period. The justification Musk provided was that a nonprofit structure would be incapable of securing the enormous capital required to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence.

The Martian Ambition Factor

Perhaps the most remarkable revelation from Brockman’s testimony connected Musk’s control demands to his interplanetary aspirations. According to Brockman, Musk disclosed his need for approximately $80 billion to establish a functioning city on Mars and believed gaining control of OpenAI would provide a pathway to raise those funds.

This account aligns with an actual SpaceX governance decision from January 2026. The company’s board authorized granting Musk 200 million super-voting shares contingent on SpaceX achieving a $7.5 trillion valuation and Musk successfully establishing a Martian colony with a minimum population of one million inhabitants.

Musk severed his board ties with OpenAI in February 2018, departing before the organization released ChatGPT and achieved its current status as one of the technology sector’s most valuable enterprises.

OpenAI contends that Musk’s lawsuit stems partially from resentment over forfeiting the opportunity to participate in that extraordinary success. The company further argues the litigation serves to advance his competing AI venture, xAI, which combined with SpaceX in February 2026.

Future Trajectories for OpenAI and SpaceX

Following Brockman’s appearance, former OpenAI board member Shivon Zilis is anticipated to provide testimony. Zilis, who shares four children with Musk, resigned from the board in March 2023 coinciding with Musk’s establishment of xAI.

OpenAI has entered preliminary discussions with major investment banks regarding a potential $1 trillion initial public offering, which could materialize in late 2026. Competing AI enterprise Anthropic has indicated similar IPO timing.

SpaceX has submitted confidential paperwork to U.S. regulatory authorities and is positioning for a June 2026 stock market debut.

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