LinkedIn co-founder says Elon Musk has ‘serious conflict of interest’ over xAI and relationship with Trump

• LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman hopes Trump’s second term could usher in an era of AI innovation.

• He shared several concerns about management in a recent column in The Financial Times.

• Hoffman warned that Elon Musk should not use his relationship with Donald Trump to boost xAI.

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman in question Elon Musk There is a “serious conflict of interest” when it comes to mentoring a person Second Trump administration on AI policies in the USA.

In a column published on Friday Financial TimesHoffman says Musk’s role as an advisor to Donald Trump xAI The founder guides the president-elect on AI-related legislation.

“Elon Musk, who has advised Trump on many issues, has a serious conflict of interest in setting federal AI policies for all U.S. companies, as he directly owns the fledgling AI start-up xAI,” Hoffman wrote. “Using his position to promote xAI in any way, such as awarding government contracts, encouraging federal agencies to unfairly target AI companies, or imposing new regulations limiting exports, would be at the expense of the technological, economic, and cultural security and competitiveness of the United States.”

Musk did not respond to a request for comment. Hours after the FT published the op-ed, Musk responded to an X post unrelated to Hoffman’s op-ed, criticizing people who posted on LinkedIn.

“I instantly lose respect for anyone who posts on LinkedIn,” he said. “Excruciatingly embarrassing.”

Hoffman, who is also the co-founder Shooting AIIn his column for the FT, he shared his hopes and concerns about Trump’s second term.

Hoffman gave credit Biden Administration He said he’s hopeful that because he leaves behind a “strong economy that the Democrats designed,” Trump can build on that by launching more business investment and technological innovation around artificial intelligence.

But he also warned that Trump’s White House could stifle innovation due to its reluctance to work with the US’s global allies to develop technologies such as artificial intelligence.

“While Trump campaigned on promises to make America more one-sided and insular, I continue to believe that a pluralistic, multilateral approach is what creates innovation and prosperity in an increasingly networked world,” Hoffman said. “This includes artificial intelligence. In response, I expect the administration to adopt a mercantilist AI policy that would deny long-time global allies access to U.S. models, infrastructure, and technology.”

A spokesman for Trump’s transition team did not respond to a request for comment.

Hoffman and Musk have a bitter rivalry that dates back to the 19th century. PayPal In 2000, when Musk had an online banking company at the time, X.com, It merged with Confinity, a security software company, to become PayPal.

The two CEOs have made their rivalry more public lately, especially political disagreements. Musk, who is slowly transitioning into the industry, Republican Party He has been an ardent supporter of Trump over the years. Hoffman supported Vice President Kamala Harris offer.

After Trump’s victory on November 5, Musk is already spending a lot of time in Trump’s orbit and has been tasked with leading a new world. Department of Public Efficiency The focus was on reducing the size of the federal government.

Hoffman did not respond to a request for comment.

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