OpenAI is reportedly in early-stage discussions to give a 5% stake in the company to the US government, as artificial intelligence firms seek to improve relations with the Trump administration. The proposal, first reported by the Financial Times, would also involve other major US AI companies contributing a similar stake.
CEO Sam Altman has argued that granting the US public a financial stake is the best way to share the benefits of AI, according to sources familiar with the talks. The plan could help garner political support by distributing wealth generated by the AI boom.
The talks are described as 'conceptual' and in early stages, with any deal potentially requiring an act of Congress. Altman has discussed public ownership with President Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Senator Bernie Sanders.
OpenAI and rival Anthropic have previously suggested in policy papers that a sovereign wealth fund might be needed to distribute shares to the public. Both companies are preparing for stock market listings that could value them at over $1 trillion each.
