Trump and OpenAI in Talks Over Government Equity Stake
CNBC confirmed Friday that the Trump administration and OpenAI are actively discussing a potential government equity stake in the AI company. The talks have been underway for more than a year. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly first floated the idea of a government stake in OpenAI directly to Trump officials in 2025.
Altman Heads to Washington
Altman made a fresh round of visits to Washington this week. He met with lawmakers and senior officials to discuss AI regulation and the latest advances in the field. Those conversations included a Wednesday meeting with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who told CNBC that a sovereign wealth fund structure came up during their discussion.
No formal investment terms have been agreed upon. All details remain subject to change, according to a source who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the talks.
What a Public Wealth Fund Could Look Like
One framework under discussion would see OpenAI donate equity to seed a so-called “Public Wealth Fund.” OpenAI outlined that concept in an April policy proposal. The fund would hold diversified long-term assets and potentially distribute AI-era gains directly to American citizens.
President Donald Trump addressed the idea briefly while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday. He described a structure in which the American public would become a partner in AI growth and said he planned to meet with AI companies in the near term.
Background: Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Push
This is not the administration’s first move in this direction. Trump signed an executive order in February directing the federal government to establish a sovereign wealth fund. Since then, the administration has already taken equity positions in Intel, IBM, and select quantum and critical minerals companies.
OpenAI itself has been on an aggressive growth track. Private investors currently value the company at over $850 billion. The company closed a record funding round in March, co-led by MGX, which is backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund. An IPO could come as early as this year.
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A Deepening Government-Tech Alliance
The broader relationship between the White House and leading AI developers has grown closer throughout Trump’s second term. This week, Trump signed an executive order asking AI firms to voluntarily share pre-release model access with the government for up to 30 days. Altman publicly endorsed the order, calling it the right balance between safety and American AI leadership.
Also Read: Trump Signs AI Executive Order Ahead of Pre-Release Model Access
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