OpenAI Reportedly Proposes Giving Trump Administration 5% Stake

Artificial intelligence firm OpenAI has reportedly explored offering a significant stake in the company to the U.S. government as part of discussions aimed at addressing growing concerns in Washington about the development and deployment of advanced AI technologies. The Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that OpenAI has discussed granting the government a 5% equity share.

This proposal emerges at a time when AI companies are facing heightened scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and regulators. Key issues include the potential for advanced AI models to be misused and ensuring that the benefits and profits generated by the rapidly growing sector are shared broadly among Americans. OpenAI's reported suggestion extends to other leading U.S. AI firms, encouraging them to consider similar equity offerings, though it remains unclear if these companies would agree.

The discussions reportedly involved OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other executives engaging with various political figures. These included former President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed interest in ways to give the public a stake in AI companies, as well as current administration officials such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Altman has also reportedly spoken with Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders.

This initiative follows recent events that have brought AI regulation to the forefront. OpenAI recently delayed the public launch of a new model at the U.S. government's request. Concurrently, rival company Anthropic faced a government order to suspend access to its AI models for foreign nationals due to national security risks, although these curbs were later lifted. Both OpenAI and Anthropic have reportedly filed confidentially for initial public offerings in the U.S.