Sam Altman: CNBC Exclusive — 'AI Spending Is the Most Fair Criticism Right Now', Admits 'a Ton of Waste'

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In a CNBC Power Lunch exclusive on June 1, Altman acknowledged that criticism of AI spending is 'the most fair criticism right now,' admitting companies are spending 'a ton of money on AI' with a 'ton of waste.' He cited coding models as the key demand driver that transformed how companies work. Altman also previewed a vision for background AI agents: 'a sufficiently smart AI running all the time that understands my goals' could provide advice in ways currently impossible. A rare moment of candor from the OpenAI CEO on spending ROI.