Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Musk vs Altman: Money’s Future in 2036
Elon Musk says that by 2036, robots and AI will make so many things that people won’t need money to buy them.
Sam Altman thinks money will still be important and worries that the wealth from AI might only go to a few people.
Musk also thinks the government could give everyone money directly.
Altman says the big risk is that the rich could get richer.
A court in Oakland decided that Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI was too late, so the company can still grow.
The debate shows how people think differently about how technology will change money and fairness.
Elon Musk predicts money will become irrelevant by 2036 due to AI and robot abundance.
Sam Altman disagrees, saying money will still matter in 10 years and warns of rising inequality.
Musk proposes universal high income and deflation as outcomes of AI-driven production.
Altman cites concentration of wealth and power as risks of the AI boom.
A 2026 federal trial in Oakland dismissed Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, clearing the way for a possible IPO.
- Who
- Elon Musk and Sam Altman
- What
- Disagreement over the future role of money due to AI
- When
- 2026 trial; 2036 prediction
- Where
- Tesla Gigafactory, Texas and Oakland federal court
- Why
- Concerns about inequality and economic impact of AI
- Predicted Year
- 2036
- Key Figures
- Elon Musk, Sam Altman
- Event
- OpenAI lawsuit trial
- Location
- Oakland, California
- Outcome
- Musk's claims dismissed