President Donald Trump has publicly stated he is unbothered by Elon Musk’s skepticism regarding the recently announced Stargate AI infrastructure project, a massive $500 billion joint venture between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. The controversy erupted when Musk, a key Trump advisor and founder of competing AI startup xAI, questioned the financial backing of the initiative on social media, claiming that SoftBank had “well under $10B secured” despite the ambitious half-trillion-dollar commitment.
At a Thursday press conference, Trump directly addressed Musk’s public criticism, telling reporters that it didn’t bother him and attributing the tension to personal animosity. “He hates one of the people in the deal,” Trump explained, apparently referring to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, with whom Musk has maintained a contentious relationship. The president acknowledged the ongoing feud, adding, “But Elon, one of the people he happens to hate, but I have certain hatreds of people, too.”
The Musk-Altman rivalry has deep roots in Silicon Valley’s AI race. Musk co-founded OpenAI alongside Altman in 2015, but has since departed the organization, launched legal action against the company, and established xAI as a direct competitor in the artificial intelligence space. Their public sparring has intensified as both companies compete for dominance in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Despite the internal tensions, Trump defended the Stargate participants as “very, very smart people” and confirmed he had spoken with Musk following the controversial tweets. The Stargate project, announced Tuesday at the White House with representatives from all three partner companies, aims to build critical AI infrastructure to make artificial general intelligence (AGI) possible in the United States while creating substantial employment opportunities.
The initiative represents one of Trump’s first major technology policy moves since returning to office on Monday, signaling a potentially closer relationship with Big Tech leaders compared to his first presidential term. The privately funded joint venture underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining American leadership in the global AI race, even as questions about its financial viability persist.
Key Quotes
No, it doesn’t. He hates one of the people in the deal.
President Trump responded to a reporter’s question about whether Elon Musk’s criticism of the Stargate AI deal bothered him, apparently referring to the ongoing feud between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
But Elon, one of the people he happens to hate, but I have certain hatreds of people, too.
Trump acknowledged the personal animosity driving Musk’s criticism while defending the Stargate participants, revealing his understanding of the interpersonal dynamics at play in the AI industry.
They are very, very smart people.
Despite Musk’s skepticism, Trump defended the intelligence and capabilities of the Stargate partners—OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank—signaling his continued support for the $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative.
Our Take
This episode reveals how personal rivalries are increasingly shaping AI policy and investment decisions at the highest levels. Trump’s willingness to publicly dismiss Musk’s concerns—despite Musk’s influential advisory role—suggests the administration prioritizes AI infrastructure development over internal political harmony. The president’s candid acknowledgment of “hatreds” among tech leaders is remarkably transparent and underscores how the AI race has become deeply personal among its key players. The real question remains whether Stargate can deliver on its $500 billion promise or if Musk’s skepticism proves prescient. This tension between competing AI visions—OpenAI’s approach versus xAI’s alternative—will likely define the next phase of American AI development, with significant implications for which companies and technologies receive government support and public legitimacy.
Why This Matters
This development highlights the complex intersection of politics, personal rivalries, and the high-stakes AI industry. The Stargate project represents one of the largest proposed investments in AI infrastructure in history, positioning the United States to compete globally in the race toward artificial general intelligence. Trump’s public backing of the initiative, despite criticism from one of his closest advisors, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to AI leadership as a national priority.
The Musk-Altman feud adds a dramatic subplot to the broader AI competition, revealing how personal relationships and business rivalries shape the industry’s trajectory. With Musk’s xAI competing directly against OpenAI, his skepticism raises legitimate questions about conflicts of interest and the actual financial commitments behind ambitious AI projects. For businesses and investors, this uncertainty could impact confidence in large-scale AI infrastructure investments. The outcome of Stargate will likely influence future public-private partnerships in AI development and set precedents for how the government engages with competing tech titans in shaping America’s AI future.
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