OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the Trump administration are in ongoing talks regarding a potential government stake in the artificial intelligence company, discussions that have been underway for over a year. The proposal could involve OpenAI donating equity to the U.S. government to seed a "Public Wealth Fund," an idea outlined in the company's April policy proposal. This fund would aim to invest in diversified, long-term assets and allow citizens to participate in the "upside" of AI growth, potentially by receiving direct returns.
The concept was first shared by Altman with the Trump administration in 2025. President Donald Trump publicly addressed the talks, stating that "pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public essentially becomes a partner." While no official investment terms have been finalized, the discussions are ongoing. OpenAI is currently valued at over $850 billion by private investors and is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering as early as this year.
The idea for the government to acquire shares in AI firms, or for these firms to voluntarily cede shares, has centered on using returns for public purposes, such as dividend payments to American households. This could help assuage public anxiety over AI's economic impacts and ensure that benefits are broadly distributed. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest if the government becomes both a shareholder and a regulator, as well as the implications for private enterprise. Some, like Senator Bernie Sanders, have even proposed a 50% equity stake for the government, while former Trump strategist Steve Bannon also suggested a 50% equity take to be dispersed to American citizens.
The legal mechanisms for such an arrangement are still unclear and could present obstacles. Senior U.S. officials like Nat Purser from Public Knowledge fear that government ownership could make regulators less willing to enforce safety rules if it impacts the value of its investment. Despite these concerns, the talks continue as OpenAI, along with other AI giants like Anthropic, prepare for major IPOs amid increasing public scrutiny and calls for regulation.
