OpenAI is reportedly in early-stage talks to give a 5% stake in the ChatGPT developer to the US government, as artificial intelligence companies seek to smooth relations with Donald Trump’s administration. The proposal, according to the Financial Times, would also involve other US AI companies contributing a similar stake to the government, though it remains unclear whether firms such as Anthropic, Google, and Meta would agree.
Altman argues for public ownership
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has argued that giving the US public a financial stake in the company is the best way to share the benefits of AI, the FT reported, citing two unnamed people familiar with the discussions. Altman has been in talks about public ownership with Trump, as well as commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and treasury secretary Scott Bessent, according to the report.
Industry relations and political support
Such a deal would help improve the industry’s relations with the Trump administration and could help garner political support by sharing wealth generated by the AI boom with the public. The proposal comes amid growing pressure from Washington on US AI companies. Last month, Anthropic suspended its newest model after the government ordered it to curtail access for foreign nationals on national security grounds. This week, it said it had restored customer access after resolving the government’s safety concerns.
Conceptual talks and potential structure
Altman and other OpenAI bosses have suggested that each of the biggest AI developers in the US should give 5% of their equity to an investment vehicle such as the Alaska Permanent Fund, a sovereign fund that invests US oil wealth into stocks and pays dividends to the state, the FT reported. The talks are “conceptual” and in early stages, and any deal could require an act of Congress to implement.
Previous policy suggestions
Both OpenAI and Anthropic have previously suggested in policy papers that a public or sovereign wealth fund may be required in the future to distribute shares to the public. In April, OpenAI said that a “public wealth fund” could provide “every citizen – including those not invested in financial markets – with a stake in AI-driven economic growth”. OpenAI and Anthropic are preparing to list on the US stock market, in moves that some investors believe could value both companies at more than $1tn (£751bn).
Political engagement
Altman has also reportedly spoken with Democratic senator Bernie Sanders in recent weeks. Sanders has been pushing for the creation of a sovereign wealth fund overseen by an independent commission and financed through a one-time 50% tax on the stock of the biggest AI companies. OpenAI was approached for comment.
