Elon Musk—in the midst of a legal battle with OpenAI—reportedly reached out to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to solicit involvement in a $97.4 billion bid to take over OpenAI, according to recent court documents. Neither Zuckerberg nor Meta agreed to participate.
What Happened
- A court filing reveals that in February 2025, Musk explored the idea of collaborating with Zuckerberg for financial backing in the attempt to acquire OpenAI.
- Although Musk broached the subject, Meta did not sign a letter of intent or otherwise get involved
Legal and Strategic Context
- The revelation is part of Musk’s ongoing legal challenge against OpenAI, which he co-founded before leaving to start xAI. Musk’s lawsuit centers on objections to OpenAI’s shift toward a for-profit model.
- OpenAI has subpoenaed Meta for documents related to any coordination or financing discussions involving Musk and Zuckerberg. Meta has objected but the court is now weighing a compliance order
Why This Matters
- The bid could have shifted OpenAI’s direction, potentially returning it to Musk’s original nonprofit vision.
- A possible alliance between Musk and Zuckerberg would mark a surprising turn—given two CEOs historically known for rivalry.
- Meta’s aggressive hiring of AI talent and competitive momentum heighten the stakes in the ongoing tech and legal showdown.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s attempt to involve Mark Zuckerberg in his $97B OpenAI bid underscores the high-stakes nature of the AI arms race. While Meta declined to participate, the unfolding legal drama may reveal deeper truths about cross-industry maneuvering in the race to influence AI’s future.
