Elon Musk has sparked controversy by criticizing a $500 billion AI project called Stargate, backed by major companies like Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank, and involving significant figures such as Larry Ellison, Sam Altman, and Masayoshi Son. Musk, who has a long-standing feud with OpenAI’s CEO Altman, publicly claimed that the project doesn’t have the financial backing it promises. On Twitter, Musk suggested that SoftBank has less than $10 billion secured for Stargate, contrary to the project’s claim of a half-trillion-dollar investment by 2029.

The Stargate initiative aims to build data centers across the US, with construction already underway in Texas. Its goal is to solidify America’s leadership in AI, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and bolster national security. The project is designed to contribute to the re-industrialization of the US and generate global economic benefits. It is supported by major entities, including SoftBank and MGX, a UAE AI investment firm, as well as tech giants like Oracle, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. The project’s supporters, including President Trump, argue that it will be crucial for the future of AI and the US economy.

When asked about Musk’s comments, Trump downplayed the criticism, pointing to Musk’s personal animosity toward Altman. He emphasized the competence of the people involved in the project, though acknowledged that conflicts can exist within business dealings. Despite Musk’s skepticism, Stargate’s backers are moving forward with the development, which aims to secure both technological and economic advantages for the US.