Elon Musk Testifies That He Started OpenAI to Prevent a ‘Terminator Outcome’ - WIRED

Elon Musk testified on Tuesday in federal court that he co-founded OpenAI in 2015 specifically to prevent an artificial intelligence 'Terminator outcome,' referencing the dystopian film. Musk and Sam Altman appeared together in court for the first time during the trial, which began with opening statements on April 28, 2026. The case revolves around Musk's claim that OpenAI violated its original nonprofit mission by becoming a for-profit entity.

Musk's testimony connects the founding purpose directly to AI safety concerns, a central theme of his lawsuit. The court is considering whether OpenAI's shift to a capped-profit model betrayed the nonprofit's original commitments.

According to WIRED, Musk argued that the Terminator scenario represents a worst-case outcome that motivated the founders to ensure AI development benefited humanity. The trial continues to draw attention as it examines the governance and mission drift of one of the most prominent AI companies. The judge has not yet indicated when a verdict might be reached.