OpenAI and Trump administration discuss government stake in AI company
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the White House are in active talks about the federal government taking an equity stake in the artificial intelligence company, CNBC confirmed Friday. The discussions have been ongoing for more than a year, beginning when Altman first pitched the idea to the Trump administration in 2025.
Under the potential agreement, OpenAI would donate equity to seed a "Public Wealth Fund" that the company proposed in April. The fund would invest in long-term assets and allow citizens to participate in returns from AI growth.
President Trump addressed the arrangement while aboard Air Force One. "There are concepts where pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public essentially becomes a partner," he said.
What the fund would do
OpenAI's proposal describes a mechanism for the government to invest in diversified assets while distributing returns directly to citizens. No specific investment terms have been finalized, and details remain subject to change.
Trump signed an executive order in February directing the federal government to establish a sovereign wealth fund. The administration has already taken stakes in Intel and International Business Machines, along with quantum and critical mineral companies.
Context and timing
OpenAI is valued at more than $850 billion by private investors and is preparing for an initial public offering potentially this year. The company closed a record funding round in March co-led by MGX, backed by Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund.
Altman met with multiple lawmakers and officials in Washington this week to discuss regulation and AI developments. Sen. Bernie Sanders said he and Altman discussed the sovereign wealth fund concept during their Wednesday meeting.
Trump also signed a directive Friday instructing federal national security organizations to accelerate AI adoption and rapidly deploy advanced models from multiple vendors. Earlier this week, he signed an executive order asking AI companies to voluntarily provide the government access to their models for up to 30 days before public release.
Altman supported the order on X, writing: "The U.S. should lead on AI by continuing to develop the very best models, making sure they're safe, and getting cyber tools into the hands of trusted defenders. The new EO gets the balance right."
For managers overseeing AI strategy or evaluating government relations, these developments signal a shift toward closer public-private partnerships. Learn more about AI for Executives & Strategy to understand how government involvement may reshape industry dynamics.
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