Musk and Zuckerberg's Alleged OpenAI Deal Under Scrutiny
OpenAI Probes Potential Musk-Zuckerberg Collaboration
OpenAI has launched an investigation into whether Meta was involved in Elon Musk's $97 billion acquisition offer for the company, according to legal documents. The AI research organization's lawyers issued a subpoena to Meta in connection with Musk's ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI, seeking evidence of any collaboration or investment plans between Musk and Meta regarding his newly established xAI venture.
Image source note: The image is generated by AI, and the image licensing service is Midjourney
The Acquisition Proposal Timeline
Musk reportedly made the acquisition offer in February 2025, with sources indicating he discussed potential financing arrangements with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. OpenAI's legal team revealed they served Meta with a subpoena in June 2025, requesting documents that could verify Meta's potential participation in Musk's acquisition strategy.
Meta has formally objected to the subpoena, with company representatives declining further comment. A Meta spokesperson confirmed that neither Zuckerberg nor the company had signed any non-disclosure agreements regarding Musk's proposal. The legal request also seeks all documents pertaining to "any actual or potential restructuring or capital restructuring of OpenAI."
Meta's Parallel AI Ambitions
While embroiled in this dispute, Meta continues aggressive development of its own AI technologies. Internal documents show Meta executives expressed strong interest in 2023 about creating an AI model that would surpass OpenAI's GPT-4. However, by early 2025, Meta's AI efforts reportedly failed to meet industry benchmarks—a situation that allegedly frustrated Zuckerberg.
In recent months, Meta has intensified efforts to recruit top AI talent from OpenAI. Notable hires include Zhao Shengjia, co-creator of ChatGPT, who now leads research at Meta's newly established Meta Super Intelligence Lab. The company has also made significant investments in AI infrastructure, including a $1.4 billion stake in Scale AI and exploratory talks with multiple AI labs about potential acquisitions.
Industry Implications and Legal Context
The potential collaboration between two of tech's most prominent figures—Musk and Zuckerberg—highlights the increasingly competitive landscape of artificial intelligence development. Their discussions come despite previous public tensions, including Musk's much-publicized challenge to Zuckerberg for a physical "cage match" in 2023.
The current legal action stems from Musk's objections to OpenAI's transition of profitable divisions into nonprofit status—a move he claims violates the organization's founding principles. Meta's legal team has petitioned the court to dismiss OpenAI's evidence request, arguing that any relevant information could be obtained directly from Musk and xAI.
Key Points:
- Legal scrutiny: OpenAI investigates possible Musk-Meta collaboration on $97B acquisition offer
- Meta's position: Company denies involvement and challenges subpoena validity
- Talent wars: Meta actively recruits from OpenAI while investing heavily in competing AI systems
- Industry competition: Once rivals, Musk and Zuckerberg may be exploring strategic partnerships in AI
