Sam Altman grilled on trustworthiness in Musk's OpenAI trial cross-examination

Sam Altman took the witness stand for the first time Tuesday in the bombshell federal trial over OpenAI's future, facing sharp questioning from Elon Musk's attorney Steven Molo. Molo immediately asked, 'Are you completely trustworthy?' Altman initially replied, 'I believe so,' then amended to 'yes' after Molo pressed him. The lawyer then grilled Altman on whether he always tells the truth, referencing testimony from former OpenAI board members who called Altman a liar. Altman appeared uneasy, stuttering at times, as Molo recounted allegations that he says one thing to one person and the opposite to another.

Key pieces of evidence include taped testimony from former CTO Mira Murati, who accused Altman of contradictory statements, and live testimony from ex-board members Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley. Molo asked Altman, 'Do you care that people came here under oath and called you a liar?' Altman disagreed with the characterization. The cross-examination underscores Musk's central argument that Altman cannot be trusted to lead OpenAI, a claim that could influence the court's decision on control of the AI company. The trial continues to attract intense scrutiny as it delves into the leadership and direction of one of the most influential AI organizations.