OpenAI is concerned that Musk may use his political power to influence industry competition

On December 15, according to the Financial Times, Sam Altman stated at a New York Times conference last week: "I firmly believe that Elon will do the right thing. If he uses political power to harm competitors and profit his own company, it would be extremely un-American." Trump himself has said that Musk would put national interests above corporate interests. However, Musk indicated on his social media platform X that competitors expecting him to be magnanimous is "correct". "No one will believe this," said a lawyer who had angered Musk.

In 2015, Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI. Now their relationship has broken down. Musk described Altman as "fraudulent Sam" and sued both Altman and OpenAI for being "habitual liars", while seeking to cancel its multi-billion dollar business cooperation with Microsoft.

LinkedIn founder and major supporter of OpenAI, Reid Hoffman who is also a member of Microsoft's board of directors expressed concern about how Musk's hostility towards Altman might reflect in Trump's AI policy. Hoffman said: “Obviously an upright person with character would say since I am involved in such litigation I should keep my distance from government operations.” He added if Musk blurred his personal views with larger geopolitical rules and structures it could signal potential short-sightedness or conflicts of interest.

However those close to Musk have stated he is principled and wouldn't use his new role to impose heavy regulation on OpenAI especially considering his responsibility as co-chair of the newly established 'Government Efficiency Department' which aims at reducing regulations making such actions pointless.

An investor in both companies run by Musks & Altmans noted: “You'll see lots of red tape cut back; OpenAI will have streamlined processes allowing them quick start-up & operation within data centers - applicable equally across all competitors.”

Nevertheless according to an investor in one of Musks’ companies; he could leverage core position within the new government to push xAI. Former OpenAI board member Hoffman speculated that Musk could use his position to slow down competitors of xAI.