OpenAI is in early-stage talks with the Trump administration about offering a five percent stake in the company, according to a report by the Financial Times. The proposal, still conceptual, would also involve other AI firms and could help mitigate political opposition. The stake, valued at over $40 billion at an $852 billion valuation, is part of a broader plan to distribute profits from AI development, according to the report. CEO Sam Altman argues that giving the public a financial stake is the best way to share AI-driven economic growth.
The proposal suggests a sovereign wealth fund modeled on Alaska's Permanent Fund, where leading US AI developers would contribute five percent of their shares. Altman has reportedly negotiated directly with President Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He also spoke with Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, who advocates for a public stake of nearly 50 percent in every US AI company. Critics argue the move could insulate OpenAI from financial risks and enable potential government bailouts if the company faces financial difficulties.
OpenAI floated a similar idea in April, proposing a 'public wealth fund' to give every citizen a share in AI-driven economic growth. The current talks with the Trump administration build on that proposal, but for the first time, they include concrete numbers in the form of an equity stake. OpenAI declined to comment to the Financial Times, and the White House did not initially respond to a request for comment.
Source: thedecoder
