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- "He Hates Someone in the Deal”: Trump Roasts Musk Over Stargate
"He Hates Someone in the Deal”: Trump Roasts Musk Over Stargate
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In a press conference on January 23, US President Donald Trump addressed Elon Musk’s sharp criticism of the $500 billion “Stargate” AI project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to position the United States at the forefront of artificial intelligence development. Musk, the Tesla CEO and one of the world's richest men, had raised concerns about the project's funding, but Trump dismissed these remarks, attributing them to personal differences.
The Stargate AI Project
Announced on January 21, the Stargate initiative is a private-sector collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. The ambitious project aims to develop advanced data centers across the country, creating over 100,000 jobs. Speaking at the launch event, Trump emphasized the economic and technological benefits of the initiative, stating:
“This is not just an AI project; it’s about putting America first in the global race for innovation.”
Key figures behind the project, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, joined Trump at the White House to unveil the plan.
Musk’s Doubts
On January 22, Musk expressed skepticism about the project’s financing via X (formerly Twitter), claiming:
“They don’t actually have the money. SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority.”
Musk’s criticism was further fueled by his ongoing legal battle with OpenAI and a strained relationship with Sam Altman.
Altman’s Response
Sam Altman was quick to refute Musk’s claims, calling them inaccurate and inviting Musk to visit the construction site of the first data center already underway. In a tweet, Altman wrote:
“Wrong, as you surely know. Want to come visit the first site already under way? This is great for the country.”
While acknowledging Musk’s accomplishments, Altman reminded him that what’s good for America may not always align with Musk’s corporate interests.
Trump’s Remarks
President Trump, known for his candid rhetoric, brushed aside Musk’s skepticism during the press conference, stating:
“He hates one of the people in the deal. I have certain hatreds of people, too. But these are very, very smart people putting up the money.”
Trump reiterated that Stargate is entirely privately funded, with no government involvement, dismissing any concerns about financing as baseless.
Economic Impact and Timelines
The Stargate project has already secured $100 billion in equity funding, with additional investments planned over the next four years. Construction of the first data center is already underway in Texas, with plans for 20 centers in total. Oracle’s Larry Ellison highlighted that these facilities would support cutting-edge AI applications, including advancements in healthcare.
The Road Ahead
As the Stargate initiative unfolds, it reflects both the opportunities and controversies surrounding large-scale AI investments. While Musk’s criticism underscores the complexities of such ventures, the project’s proponents remain focused on its potential to drive innovation and economic growth.
Whether Stargate delivers on its promises remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes in the AI race have never been higher.
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