In addition to handling the PR crisis, Altman also revealed two key pieces of information about OpenAI.
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In a recently released lengthy statement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman clarified the controversy surrounding government loan guarantees and also disclosed two key pieces of information about the company: direct sales of computing power to companies and individuals; and an expected annualized revenue exceeding $20 billion this year, with future data center investment commitments of around $1.4 trillion over the next eight years.
On November 6 local time, Altman published a long statement on social platform X, responding to the company CFO’s earlier controversial remarks regarding government-guaranteed loans, which were quickly retracted. Altman made it clear that OpenAI does not seek nor desire government guarantees for data center construction, emphasizing that the government should not pick winners or losers, and taxpayers should not be on the hook for corporate business decisions.
While addressing this PR crisis, Altman also made the rare move of revealing two key points: OpenAI plans to sell computing power directly to other companies and individuals, believing that global demand for "AI cloud" will rise sharply; the company expects annualized revenue to surpass $20 billion this year and to grow to hundreds of billions by 2030, with data center investment commitments of about $1.4 trillion over the next eight years.
Regarding funding sources, Altman stated that the company may meet needs through traditional means, including selling more equity or acquiring more loans. He emphasized that for OpenAI, the greater risk is insufficient computing power rather than excess capacity.
Two Key Pieces of Information Disclosed
Altman made it clear in his statement:
"We expect our annualized revenue this year to exceed $20 billion and to grow to hundreds of billions by 2030. We are considering commitments of about $1.4 trillion over the next eight years."
This is the first time OpenAI has publicly disclosed such specific long-term financial goals and capital expenditure plans. Since 2025, OpenAI has been signing data center agreements worth billions of dollars almost every month. This statement consolidates these scattered deals into a single overall figure for the first time.
Altman stressed that continuous growth is vital for the company, but he is fully confident in this. He noted that current trends show demand for computing far exceeds what existing plans can support.
Altman disclosed a bold business plan: OpenAI will directly sell computing power to other companies and individuals.
"We’re exploring more direct ways to sell computing power to other companies and individuals. We are strongly convinced the world will need a huge amount of 'AI cloud,' and we are excited to provide this service."
Analysts pointed out that this is an aggressive idea for a company that does not yet have its own data center network. This plan means that OpenAI will not only build infrastructure to meet its own needs, but also be able to provide cloud services to external customers, putting it in direct competition with cloud giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Altman stated in the announcement that global demand for AI cloud is expected to soar, presenting OpenAI an opportunity to enter this market. “Based on user trends and demand for AI, the main risk the company faces is insufficient computing power, not excess.”
Role of Government and Market Positioning
In response to external doubts about whether OpenAI is seeking government support, Altman first clarified in his statement: OpenAI does not want to obtain government guarantees for data center construction. He emphasized that the government should not be picking winners or losers, and taxpayers should not foot the bill for poor business decisions or failed companies in the market.
Altman admitted that the company’s CFO's remarks about government financing caused misunderstandings, and she later clarified that she could have been clearer. He reiterated that OpenAI believes the U.S. government should develop its own AI infrastructure national strategy, not provide guarantees to private companies.
Altman stated that he supports the government in building and owning its own AI infrastructure, provided that related benefits belong to the government. He believes it makes sense to establish a strategic national stockpile of computing power, with the government deciding how to use this large amount of computing capability, and possibly supporting such projects at a lower capital cost. But this should serve government interests, not private businesses.
The only area where loan guarantees have been discussed is in support of building U.S. semiconductor manufacturing plants. Altman emphasized this is fundamentally different from the government offering guarantees for private data center construction.
On discussions about the government as the AI “insurer of last resort,” Altman clarified this was in an entirely different context. He previously discussed catastrophic risks with Tyler Cowen—for example, malicious actors using AI to coordinate large-scale cyberattacks to sabotage key infrastructure—these kinds of harms only the government could address. He made it clear that the government should not be underwriting insurance for AI companies.
Addressing whether OpenAI is trying to become “too big to fail,” Altman gave a clear negative answer. He stated that if the company messes up and can’t fix the problem, it should go under, and other companies will continue to operate and serve customers.
The full original post and translation from Altman are as follows:
Risk Warning and DisclaimerThe market involves risks, and investments require caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it take into account individual users’ special investment goals, financial status, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article suit their particular circumstances. Investment based on this information is at your own risk. ```