Key Takeaways
- OpenAI is engaged in talks to grant the Trump administration a 5% ownership position
- Sam Altman has conducted meetings with President Trump, Commerce Secretary Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Bessent
- Additional American AI companies may be requested to provide comparable equity stakes, with uncertain acceptance
- This initiative aligns with Senator Bernie Sanders’ advocacy for public participation in AI wealth
- The current administration has already acquired ownership in Intel, MP Materials, Lithium Americas, and Trilogy Metals
According to a Financial Times report released Thursday, OpenAI is engaged in negotiations to provide the United States government with a 5% equity position. This offering represents part of a strategic initiative to strengthen the company’s relationship with the current administration.
Sam Altman, the company’s chief executive, has been conducting high-level meetings with key government figures, including President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Sources indicate Altman has also engaged in conversations with Senator Bernie Sanders regarding this equity proposal.
Reuters was unable to independently confirm the details of the report. Neither OpenAI nor White House representatives provided responses to media inquiries.
Expanding the Vision for Public AI Ownership
The equity proposal extends beyond OpenAI alone. Under the contemplated framework, other domestic artificial intelligence enterprises could be asked to provide the government with similar 5% ownership stakes, though their willingness to participate remains uncertain.
This initiative ties into a larger dialogue about AI wealth distribution. Earlier this year in April, OpenAI floated the concept of establishing a public wealth fund designed to distribute AI-generated economic benefits to all American citizens.
Senators like Bernie Sanders have been championing legislation with parallel objectives. His proposed American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act envisions a fund that could reach approximately $7 trillion in value. Sanders maintains that the financial rewards from AI advancement should not remain concentrated in the hands of a select group of technology executives.
Meanwhile, AI companies are encountering increased regulatory scrutiny in Washington concerning data center proliferation, workforce automation concerns, and national security vulnerabilities.
Government Equity Acquisitions Under Trump’s Leadership
This wouldn’t mark the first instance of the Trump administration obtaining ownership stakes in private enterprises.
During 2025, the federal government secured a 9.9% ownership position in Intel through the purchase of 433.3 million shares at $20.47 per share. This $8.9 billion transaction was linked to CHIPS Act funding requirements.
Given Intel’s current trading price near $127, the government’s stake has appreciated to approximately $55 billion — representing roughly 6.2 times the initial capital deployed. Trump has publicly expressed regret about not negotiating for a larger ownership percentage.
Beyond Intel, the administration maintains a 15% ownership stake in rare earth materials company MP Materials, holds 10% equity positions in both Lithium Americas and Trilogy Metals, and possesses a “golden share” in U.S. Steel that provides veto authority over significant corporate actions without standard equity ownership.
The OpenAI equity discussions remain in preliminary phases. As of Thursday morning, neither OpenAI nor White House officials have issued formal confirmations regarding these negotiations.
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