Here's How Sam Altman Quietly Replaced Elon Musk as Donald Trump's Go-To AI Advisor

Bibhu Pattnaik

July 19, 2025

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has emerged as the key tech ally of President Donald Trump in the wake of the fallout between Trump and Elon Musk.

What Happened: A recent report reveals how Altman, once a close associate of Musk, capitalized on the strained relationship between Musk and Trump. Altman and Musk, both co-founders of OpenAI, had a disagreement over the company’s direction, leading to Musk’s exit from the board in 2018.

As per the report by The Wall Street Journal, Altman, traditionally a Democrat, became increasingly apprehensive about their economic policy approach. This concern, along with his dissatisfaction with Biden’s stance on AI, led him to align with Trump.

OpenAI started reaching out to Trump’s camp in spring 2024, successfully establishing themselves as an AI leader.

Despite an initial sidelining after Trump’s election, despite a $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration, Altman managed to penetrate Trump’s circles by hiring well-connected Trump aides.

Also Read: Ex-Trump Lawyer Sent This Message To Elon Musk After Feud With Donald Trump Erupted

This strategy paid off when Altman was invited to the Oval Office in January for the announcement of a $500 billion AI project, Stargate, a partnership between OpenAI, Oracle, and Japan's SoftBank.

The announcement ignited a public feud between Musk and Altman, with Trump siding with Altman. Despite Musk’s attempts to disrupt further collaborations, Altman has continued to strengthen his relationship with the Trump administration.

OpenAI recently secured a $200 million contract with the Pentagon, and Altman is set to be the keynote speaker at an upcoming Federal Reserve conference.

Why It Matters: Altman’s strategic moves have not only positioned OpenAI as a leading player in the AI industry but also secured significant contracts and partnerships.

His ability to navigate political landscapes and align with the current administration’s interests underscores the importance of political savvy in the tech industry.

The fallout between Musk and Altman, once allies, highlights the competitive and dynamic nature of the tech world, where alliances can shift based on strategic interests and policy alignments.

Putting Your Name on This List Could Hand You $1,270 on Friday - Ad

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Apple's Secret Weapon to Disrupt a $9 Trillion Industry - Ad

Buc-ee's is expanding outside of Texas with plans for over 70 stores in 17 states by 2027, including recent openings in Mississippi, Virginia, and Georgia.

Trump Says 5 Jets Downed During India-Pakistan Conflict: '...Shot Out Of The Air'

President Donald Trump during a dinner with Republican lawmakers stated, that up to 5 jets were shot down during the India-Pakistan conflict.

Trump Signals "End of M.A.G.A."

Trump Signals "End of M.A.G.A." - Ad

Trump's new mission: Make America Wealthy Again. And according to ex-CIA advisor Jim Rickards, the U.S. is sitting on a $150 trillion fortune--enough to make every family millionaires. Discover how this hidden wealth could soon change everything.

Bitcoin's 4-Year Cycle Is Dead, Researcher Says: Here's Why It Matters For XRP

The crypto market has changed, and experts say relying on the traditional 4-year halving cycle could leave investors poorly positioned in

Cathie Wood's Ethereum Double-Down: Ark Bets $7.9 Million On ETH-Staking ETF Buy While Selling Coinbase At Highs

On Wednesday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest executed significant trades, including substantial purchases in Tempus AI Inc. (NASDAQ:TEM), NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA), 3iQ Ether Stakin

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

Why Is Donald Trump Ignoring Elon Musk's Call For 'Phase 2' Of The Epstein Files?

Musk's post questioning Trump's unfulfilled promise of Epstein-related disclosures reignites tensions over transparency in politics and tech.

Cutting edge: Jets unveil a renovated locker room that includes 92 new lockers and a barbershop

The new-look underwent an Extreme Makeover: Locker Room Edition during the offseason.

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Inside Elon Musk's Memphis site lies a supercomputer built to power the world's first superhuman AI. It could make Elon a trillionaire - and new millionaires, too. With just $500, you could get in before the July 1st funding window closes.

One Tech Tip: How to clean your computer, earbuds and smartphone

LONDON (AP) — Smartphones, laptops, headphones and other electronic devices are essential for work and play in our daily lives. But all that time spent typing, scrolling or listening also means our devices gradually accumulate grime that needs to be cleaned off.

Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' And Its Impact On Bitcoin, America's Debt Crisis And Robinhood's Blockchain Move: This Week In Crypto

President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" has sparked market buzz for its potential to fuel Bitcoin adoption amid inflation fears.

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis?

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis? - Ad

In South Memphis, I uncovered what could be Elon Musk's biggest invention yet. It's so secretive, rivals are flying drones to spy on it. If you're serious about investing in AI, now's the time to see what's really going on inside those walls.

Inside the high-stakes battle to win a New York City casino license

NEW YORK (AP) — A Caesars Palace casino in the heart of Times Square. A sprawling gambling hall along Coney Island’s iconic boardwalk. A Hard Rock casino complex next to the home stadium of baseball’s New York Mets.

Tesla Cybertruck Bet Not Paying Off? Ford, GM Outsell EV Giant

Elon Musk's dream of having a top-selling electric pickup may be a thing of the past as the Cybertruck continues to see declining demand.

A Rare Occurrence is Happening in Bitcoin Right Now...

A Rare Occurrence is Happening in Bitcoin Right Now... - Ad

Before you consider buying Bitcoin, watch this video with hedge fund legend Larry Benedict. He's not buying crypto - instead, his "Bitcoin Skimming" strategy has crushed Bitcoin's gains 6-to-1, 9-to-1, even 22-to-1. No wallet needed. No crypto risk. This could go offline soon.

Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi's Stock Sale Used A Disclosure Loophole: Report

Rep. Suozzi under scrutiny for $50,000 stock sale without disclosure. Congress now addressing loophole in law.

Nvidia Is 'On A March To $5 Trillion' Market Capitalization, Says Dan Ives As He Predicts Bullish Environment For Tech And Crypto: 'Very Strong Second Half'

Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives delivered an optimistic outlook for Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) and the broader tech and crypto markets, predicting a $5 trillion market capitalization for the tech giant led by Jensen Huang.

Leaked Memo Points to $100 Trillion Wealth Transfer Starting Soon

Leaked Memo Points to $100 Trillion Wealth Transfer Starting Soon - Ad

The U.S. Department of the Interior's internal memo has leaked ... and the contents are shocking. A federally backed resource monetization plan may soon go live, and it could trigger a new gold rush into select energy and mineral stocks. Investing legend Whitney Tilson breaks it all down inside.

ASML Rises 1.1% After Key Trading Signal

A significant trading signal occurred for ASML Holding stock as it demonstrated a power inflow at $817.45, after which ASML rose up to 1.1%.

Whitmer says 'massive economic uncertainty' is to blame on semiconductor project failure in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Plans to build a semiconductor manufacturing plant in Michigan have fallen through and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday that “massive economic uncertainty” is to blame.

Make This Move Before Nvidia's Critical Update (Unique Play)

Make This Move Before Nvidia's Critical Update (Unique Play) - Ad

Nvidia's CEO is about to say five simple words that could ignite the next explosive phase of the AI boom. It's not about tariffs or China--but it could change everything. This moment could define the biggest profit wave yet.

Capgemini Doubles Down On Agentic AI With $3.3 Billion WNS Acquisition

Capgemini acquires WNS for $3.3B, creating a global leader in AI-powered Intelligent Operations. Deal expected to close by year-end.

Robert Kiyosaki Advocates for Gold and Bitcoin Over Dollar Savings: 'It Is Smarter and Safer'

Renowned financial educator Robert Kiyosaki recently expressed his preference for gold and Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) over saving in dollars,

Putting Your Name on This List Could Hand You $1,270 on Friday

Putting Your Name on This List Could Hand You $1,270 on Friday - Ad

URGENT: On Tuesday, a simple set of instructions will be sent out to an elite group of investors. The folks in this group will have the opportunity to place a 10-minute trade that could double their money by Friday. Consider this your invitation to join them. The next trade is just days away.

Whistleblower's Texts Allege Ex-Trump Lawyer Bove Encouraged Lawbreaking. Now He's Up for a Judgeship.

Emil Bove is on the verge of a lifetime appointment as a judge, despite allegations of professional misconduct.

Netflix Courts YouTube Stars To Feed Its 'Hungry Audience Waiting To Be Entertained' — Co-CEO Ted Sarandos Hints At Premium Platform Edge Amid Creator Gold Rush

Netflix said it is open to partnering with top YouTube creators like Miss Rachel and the Sidemen—but only if their content fits its premium streaming model, as the company eyes the untapped 80% of global TV viewership to drive future growth.

How to Hack a $1.3T Market

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Trump administration imposes limits on Mexican flights and threatens Delta alliance in trade dispute

The Trump administration imposed new restrictions Saturday on flights from Mexico and threatened to end a longstanding partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico in response to limits the Mexican government placed on passenger and cargo flights into Mexico City several years ago.

'Black Swan' Author Nassim Taleb Shares Life Lessons, AI Concerns And Economic Fears

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, the author of "The Black Swan" and "Antifragile," shared his insights on life, success, and his biggest worries.

Apple's Secret Weapon to Disrupt a $9 Trillion Industry

Apple's Secret Weapon to Disrupt a $9 Trillion Industry - Ad

Apple just fired a shot at a $9 trillion sector - not with a new iPhone, but with its most disruptive project since the smartphone. One tiny supplier - still trading near $30 - sits quietly at the center of this bold move.

WeRide's Driverless Robobus Approved In Singapore

WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ: WRD) received Singapore's clearance for fully driverless robobus operations at Resorts World Sentosa, a groundbreaking milestone.

Subway hires former Burger King executive as its new CEO

Subway has hired a former Burger King executive as its new CEO.

Trump Signals "End of M.A.G.A."

Trump Signals "End of M.A.G.A." - Ad

Trump-Backed DOJ Motion Seeks Release Of Jeffrey Epstein, Maxwell Grand Jury Transcripts

DOJ moves to unseal grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell following criticism over handling of documents.

Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile And Circle Internet Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (July 14-July 18): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Top performers last week: JOBY, MP, SMR, RKLB, ASTS, U, FRHC, OKLO. Are they in your portfolio? JOBY expands, MP partners with Apple, SMR gains from DOE program.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

After years of tough rules on liquids and footwear, US air travel may be on the cusp of a new era

NEW YORK (AP) — When limits on liquids were introduced at TSA checkpoints across the country in 2006, bins overflowed with bottled water, toothpaste, shaving cream and so much more. Nearly two decades later, travelers are much more accustomed to the “3-1-1” regulations" governing the size of the liquids they're flying with, but scenes of passengers guzzling a beverage before putting their bags through the screening machines are still common.

US Stocks Likely To Open Lower After A Week Of Records: Tesla In Focus As Elon Musk Announces America Party

U.S. stock futures declined on Monday after scaling fresh records in the previous truncated week. Futures of benchmarks were trading lower.

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Nvidia-Supplier Taiwan Semiconductor On A Roll, Profit Explodes With Strong Margin Growth

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) reports strong Q2 results and expects continued growth in demand for advanced processor technologies, with revenue guidance of $31.8 billion to $33.0 billion for Q3.

Trending Now