A bombshell investigation by journalists Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz has plunged OpenAI into a deeper crisis, accusing CEO Sam Altman of deliberate deception. Based on over 100 interviews, the report unveils two confidential documents: a memo from former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever and notes from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
Sutskever's Memo: Alleged Misleading of Leadership
The memo from Ilya Sutskever directly claims that Altman misled executives and board members on key decisions. Issues include a lack of transparency in a promised independent investigation and significant disagreements over resource allocation for the Superalignment team. Sutskever asserts that Altman selectively disclosed information, pushing the board to approve controversial proposals without full knowledge.
Amodei's Notes: Criticisms Over Microsoft Deal
Dario Amodei, CEO of rival Anthropic, documented Altman's handling of negotiations with Microsoft in his notes. He criticized Altman for failing to properly assess risks in the partnership, leaving OpenAI trapped between technological goals and commercial interests. Microsoft executives reportedly expressed frustration, citing Altman's decision-making style as a source of tension.
The 'National Program' Proposal Sparks Further Discontent
The report also reveals Altman's push for a secretive 'National Program'—a plan to deeply integrate OpenAI's technology with national governance. This proposal faced strong opposition from scientists and board members who argued it deviated from the company's nonprofit mission. Internal sources suggest Altman tried to bypass standard approval procedures, inflaming existing conflicts.
Altman has denied any intentional deception, attributing the criticism to his conflict-averse personality and reiterating his commitment to integrity. As details of the investigation emerge, OpenAI's governance, transparency, and internal trust are being severely tested. The fallout could reshape not only the company's direction but also the broader ethical and regulatory landscape of the AI industry.