Elon Musk-OpenAI trial enters week 4: Here’s what you need to know

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  May 18, 2026 at 16:24  |  3:47  |  CNBC

Summary

Kate Rooney reports from the Elon Musk-OpenAI trial as jury deliberations begin. She outlines the key arguments, Musk's underdog status in prediction markets, and the legal stakes, including a potential $130 billion damages claim and the unwinding of OpenAI's restructuring. The report highlights the personal animosity at the core of the case and its potential impact on OpenAI's future IPO.

  • Jury deliberations begin in the Elon Musk-OpenAI trial in Oakland.
  • Prediction markets show less than 20% chance of a Musk victory.
  • Musk's team argues a bait-and-switch by OpenAI and attacks Sam Altman's credibility.
  • OpenAI's defense portrays Musk as a disgruntled competitor whose xAI is losing to ChatGPT.
  • The statute of limitations is a key issue; Microsoft's 2019 investment triggered the commercial pivot.
  • Musk seeks over $130 billion in damages and the removal of Sam Altman.
  • The remedies phase is entirely up to the judge, who has final say over the advisory jury.
  • Legal experts note that a final judgment could take months.
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