OpenAI has proposed granting the U.S. government a 5% equity stake, a move aimed at easing Washington pressure according to a report. The offer follows President Trump's June statement that federal ownership in AI giants would be "a beautiful thing" and make Americans "partners in this revolution."
The proposal signals OpenAI's effort to navigate intensifying political scrutiny over artificial intelligence. By offering a direct financial interest, the company may seek to align itself with administration priorities and preempt stricter regulation.
No specific valuation of the stake or timeline for the proposal was disclosed in the report. The terms and structure of such an ownership arrangement remain unclear, including whether it would involve voting rights or dividends.
If accepted, the deal would mark an unprecedented step in government-corporate relations in the tech sector. It could reshape how AI firms engage with federal authorities, potentially setting a precedent for other industry players facing similar pressures.
Critics warn that government ownership risks politicizing AI development and creating conflicts of interest. A public-private partnership of this nature would require careful governance to avoid compromising innovation.