Trump had phone call with OpenAI's Sam Altman last week about AI ...
Prior to officially becoming president, Donald Trump held a lengthy conversation with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to discuss the potential of artificial intelligence and the need to develop the technology in the U.S., CNBC has learned.
Discussion About AI Development in the US
During the chat on Friday, Trump expressed his interest in building AI in the U.S. rather than having it developed in China. He discussed the potential impact on job creation and confidence in the U.S. during his administration. This information comes from a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be named due to the private nature of the conversation.
Trump's Announcement After Inauguration
Following his inauguration on Monday, President Trump wasted no time in emphasizing the importance of AI. He announced a joint venture with OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank to invest billions of dollars in AI infrastructure in the U.S. Notably, OpenAI's participation in this venture is significant given Altman's ongoing legal dispute with Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Legal Battle and Reactions
Elon Musk swiftly criticized the joint venture, questioning the financial backing behind the project. Altman responded to Musk's claims, stating his belief in Musk as a visionary entrepreneur. The ongoing legal battle between Musk and OpenAI has been a focal point, with both sides presenting their arguments in court and in public statements.
Support from CEOs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed his commitment to investing in AI-enabled data centers. Microsoft is a key financial supporter of OpenAI. Altman's connections with CEOs like Larry Ellison of Oracle and Masayoshi Son of SoftBank have also played a role in his collaboration and support in the AI sector.
