OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has spoken out against Elon Musk's potential influence on AI policy, calling it "profoundly un-American" for the Tesla and X CEO to wield political power to harm competitors and advantage his own businesses.

Altman made the comments during an interview at The New York Times' DealBook Summit on Wednesday, where he expressed concerns over Musk's involvement in DOGE, a planned advisory commission that aims to recommend deep cuts to federal agencies. Musk, who owns xAI, a competitor to OpenAI, is reportedly set to have input into incoming President Donald Trump's AI policy lead, should Trump decide to appoint one.

Altman's concerns are not unfounded, given Musk's history of using his influence to shape policy in his favor. The Tesla CEO has been known to use his Twitter platform to sway public opinion and influence regulatory decisions. Moreover, Musk's ownership of xAI creates a clear conflict of interest, as any policy decisions he influences could potentially harm OpenAI and other competitors.

The tension between Altman and Musk is further complicated by the ongoing lawsuit between OpenAI and Musk, in which Musk accuses OpenAI of abandoning its original mission and engaging in anticompetitive behavior. Altman, who referred to xAI as a "serious competitor," expressed sadness over the lawsuit, stating that he is "tremendously sad" about the situation.

Despite the controversy, Altman acknowledged Musk's contributions to the AI industry, saying that he thought what Musk was doing was "absolutely incredible for the world." However, he added that he has "different feelings about him now," suggesting that Musk's actions have soured their relationship.

The implications of Musk's potential influence on AI policy are far-reaching and could have significant consequences for the industry. If Musk is able to shape policy in his favor, it could stifle innovation and limit competition, ultimately harming consumers. As the AI industry continues to evolve, it is essential that policymakers prioritize fairness and transparency, rather than allowing individual interests to dictate the agenda.

In conclusion, Altman's comments highlight the need for vigilance in ensuring that AI policy is shaped by the greater good, rather than individual interests. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial that leaders like Altman speak out against potential abuses of power and advocate for a fair and competitive landscape.