In an in-depth interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reflected on the company’s dramatic transformation since ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022 and outlined his vision for artificial intelligence development. The discussion covered key events including his brief dismissal in November 2023, the company’s rapid scaling, and preparations for AI advancement under the upcoming Trump administration.
Altman revealed that OpenAI’s website had nearly zero traffic before ChatGPT’s release, but quickly grew to over 100 million visitors within two months. He acknowledged the immense pressure this placed on the company’s infrastructure and described the rushed implementation of their subscription model to manage costs.
Regarding his controversial four-day firing in 2023, Altman provided new details about the board conflict, describing tense negotiations and what he called “deception” during the crisis. He maintained that while there were communication issues with the board, he had not been “sneaky” in his management decisions.
Looking ahead, Altman expressed confidence in OpenAI’s technical progress, noting that their latest model has passed important benchmarks previously thought to be years away. He also addressed practical challenges facing AI development, including chip supply, energy requirements, and regulatory considerations.
The CEO confirmed making a personal $1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural fund, explaining his intention to work with any U.S. president on AI development. He expressed optimism about potential infrastructure improvements under the new administration while acknowledging concerns about regulatory oversight.