Musk criticizes Donald Trump’s massive AI infrastructure plan
Shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a major AI infrastructure investment plan at the White House, Elon Musk, often seen as part of Trump’s inner circle, publicly criticized the initiative, reports a Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
“They don’t actually have the money,” Musk wrote on his platform, X. “SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority.”
SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 22, 2025
The ambitious project, named Stargate, aims to bolster the United States’ artificial intelligence infrastructure. Backed by SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle, and others, the initiative will begin with a $100 billion investment, with plans to expand to $500 billion in the coming years. Leaders of these companies joined Trump for the announcement, highlighting the effort’s significance.
Musk’s comments cast doubt on the project’s financial feasibility, a rare critique of a major White House initiative from someone closely connected to the administration. Musk has been notably involved in Trump’s activities, even attending Oval Office meetings. Recently, Musk played a role in securing a pardon for Ross William Ulbricht, the founder of Silk Road, and reportedly aided in the release of January 6 rioters after Trump issued a blanket pardon.
Musk’s critique also highlights his ongoing tensions with OpenAI, one of the key players in Stargate. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI, has sued the organization and its CEO, Sam Altman, over claims that it has abandoned its nonprofit roots. He has expressed distrust of Altman and accused the company of prioritizing private profits over broader goals.
In response to Musk’s claims, Altman wrote on X: “Wrong, as you surely know. Want to come visit the first site already underway? This is great for the country. I realize what is great for the country isn’t always what’s optimal for your companies, but in your new role I hope you’ll mostly put (America) first.”
wrong, as you surely know.
— Sam Altman (@sama) January 22, 2025
want to come visit the first site already under way?
this is great for the country. i realize what is great for the country isn't always what's optimal for your companies, but in your new role i hope you'll mostly put 🇺🇸 first.
The White House defended the plan, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “The American people should take President Trump and those CEOs’ words for it. These investments are coming to our great country, and American jobs are coming along with them.”
Earlier, it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump announced the launch of the Stargate project, which aims to invest up to $500 billion in developing artificial intelligence infrastructure across the United States.
