Stargate Stunner: Sam Altman—The AI Power Broker Raising Eyebrows

This week, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son made a bold prediction: artificial superintelligence will usher in America’s "golden age." To make that vision a reality, he announced a staggering half-trillion-dollar partnership with Oracle’s Larry Ellison, MGX, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman.

Dubbed Project Stargate, this collaboration aims to supercharge AI infrastructure over the next four years, with promises of breakthroughs like personalized medicine and AI-assisted vaccine development. Larry Ellison, for one, is optimistic, claiming AI will help ensure that society "never runs into a problem like COVID-19 again."

Not everyone is convinced.

A Deal Under Scrutiny

The project immediately drew criticism from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk, who was notably absent from Wednesday’s press conference. Musk questioned whether the group even has the financial backing to deliver on its ambitious promises, suggesting on X (formerly Twitter) that Stargate might be more smoke and mirrors than substance.

Musk also took direct aim at Sam Altman, his former OpenAI co-founder—whom he is currently suing—implying that the project’s backers were, in his words, “smoking a crack pipe.” The tension between the two tech leaders has been escalating for some time, and this latest development has only widened the rift.

Altman eventually responded, stating, “I realize what is great for the country isn’t always what’s optimal for your companies, but in your new role I hope you’ll mostly put 🇺🇸 first.”

While Musk and Altman spar on social media, others are voicing concerns about the broader implications of the Stargate project.

Experts Weigh In

Dr. Robert Malone, a prominent scientist known for his work on mRNA technology, reacted strongly to the announcement, calling Ellison’s logic “grossly naive” and arguing that AI-driven medical advancements have been overpromised for decades.

Beyond the medical implications, concerns are growing about the concentration of AI power in the hands of a few elite figures. Critics worry that OpenAI’s influence—particularly under Altman’s leadership—could extend beyond technological innovation and into political and economic control.

Altman’s Growing Influence

Sam Altman has long been a powerful figure in Silicon Valley, but his political and financial ties are now drawing increased scrutiny. Some commentators, including journalist Mike Cernovich, have pointed out Altman’s close relationship with billionaire Reid Hoffman, a major funder of Democratic political causes.

Additionally, Altman has been linked to media funding efforts that critics argue could be used to push specific narratives. A recent revelation showed that OpenAI has been financially backing Axios, an outlet that has been consistently critical of Donald Trump. While media partnerships aren’t unusual in the tech industry, the timing of this support—coinciding with Axios ramping up its attacks on Trump—has raised questions about Altman’s broader agenda.

The Bigger Picture

The rise of artificial superintelligence is no longer a distant future—it’s happening now. Project Stargate represents one of the most aggressive pushes toward centralized AI power in history, backed by some of the wealthiest and most influential players in tech and finance.

Proponents see this as the dawn of a technological renaissance. Skeptics warn that such advancements could consolidate power in unprecedented ways, impacting everything from medicine to media to governance. Whether Project Stargate delivers on its promises—or faces insurmountable obstacles—remains to be seen.

What You Can Do

AI is moving faster than regulation, and the people controlling it aren’t necessarily looking out for your best interests. Stay informed, ask hard questions, and take steps to protect your digital and financial autonomy. For practical strategies on safeguarding your assets in an increasingly controlled economy, download "Seven Steps to Protect Yourself from Bank Failure" by Bill Brocius. Get your copy here.