A U.S. jury has unanimously ruled against Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, finding the company is not liable for having strayed from its original mission. In a related development, the Financial Times reports that OpenAI may hand former President Donald Trump a 5% stake in the company.
Jury Sides with OpenAI in Musk Lawsuit
The verdict, delivered on July 1, 2026, marks a significant legal victory for OpenAI. Musk had alleged that the artificial intelligence company breached its founding charter by prioritizing profits over its nonprofit mission. The jury disagreed, clearing OpenAI of any wrongdoing.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the proposed stake for Trump is seen as a strategic move to secure political support as OpenAI navigates increasing regulatory scrutiny. Neither OpenAI nor Trump’s representatives have commented publicly on the report.
Implications for AI Regulation
Legal experts say the ruling sets a precedent for how courts interpret the missions of hybrid nonprofit-for-profit entities. “This decision reinforces that companies can evolve their business models without breaching founding documents, as long as they act in good faith,” said corporate law professor Sarah Jenkins of Harvard University.
OpenAI’s board has not yet formally approved the stake transfer to Trump. The company’s valuation currently stands at approximately $80 billion, making a 5% stake worth around $4 billion.
