Key Takeaways:
- Elon Musk tried to stop a deal between Trump and a rival AI company in Abu Dhabi.
- Musk wanted his own AI company, xAI, to be part of the deal.
- The deal involved building a massive data center in Abu Dhabi.
- Musk has grown distant from Trump despite having influence in the White House.
Elon Musk, one of the world’s richest men, recently tried to stop a deal between former President Donald Trump and a rival AI company in Abu Dhabi, according to a recent report. This deal was part of Trump’s visit to the Middle East, where a major project was planned to build a huge data center. The center would support advanced artificial intelligence efforts, but Musk wasn’t happy about it.
What’s the Deal About?
The deal involved a company called OpenAI, which Musk co-founded but later had a falling out with. OpenAI was teaming up with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to build the data center. Musk learned about the plan and immediately reached out to White House officials, including Trump’s AI adviser, David Sacks, to express his concerns.
Musk wasn’t just worried about OpenAI’s involvement. He also wanted his own AI company, xAI, to be part of the deal. However, his efforts didn’t work, and the deal moved forward without xAI.
Why Did Musk Care So Much?
Musk’s main issue was fairness. He believed other AI companies, including his own, should have a chance to be involved in such a big project. He also seemed to want to protect his business interests. xAI is the company behind Grok, a chatbot that runs on Musk’s X platform. Despite its advanced features, Grok has sometimes sparked controversy. Earlier this month, it started talking about strange conspiracy theories, including “white genocide,” out of nowhere.
Musk’s Influence in the White House
Although Musk tried to stop the deal, he still has a strong presence in official Washington. He’s been involved in efforts to cut government spending, and his ideas have had an impact. However, his relationship with Trump has cooled down lately. Many people have criticized Musk for his involvement in politics, and he’s admitted that his reputation and businesses have suffered because of it.
Musk’s Other Disagreements with Trump
This isn’t the first time Musk and Trump have disagreed. Recently, Musk criticized Trump’s new tax cut plan, which is currently being discussed in the Senate. Musk argues that the plan doesn’t actually reduce the federal deficit—it makes it worse. He’s been vocal about his concerns, even calling the plan a “big, beautiful bill” in a sarcastic tone.
What’s Next?
Musk’s actions show how competitive the AI industry has become. Companies like OpenAI and xAI are racing to dominate the AI space, and deals like the one in Abu Dhabi are critical for their growth. Musk’s failed attempt to stop the deal might not be the end of the story. With his influence in politics and technology, he could try again to shape such deals in the future.
As the AI race heats up, it’s clear that Musk and Trump are both playing major roles. Whether their rivalry will lead to more conflicts or innovations remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the world of AI is getting more competitive by the day.