OpenAI has reportedly proposed granting the US government a 5% equity stake, valued at nearly $42.6 billion. The offer, first reported by the Financial Times, emerged during early talks between CEO Sam Altman and President Donald Trump's administration. The government's willingness to accept such a deal remains unclear.
The move is seen as an effort to clear political obstacles by securing buy-in from the Trump administration. Altman is also said to be floating the idea of having other leading AI companies give US sovereign funds a similar five percent equity. This could reshape the regulatory landscape for artificial intelligence.
The 5% stake values the firm at roughly $852 billion based on the reported figure, though this is an estimate derived from the single source. No official valuation has been confirmed by OpenAI or the government. The Financial Times is the sole outlet reporting the specific details of the discussions.
If enacted, the proposal would intertwine national interests with private AI development, potentially granting Washington influence over corporate strategy. Critics warn it could set a precedent for government intervention in emerging technologies. The administration has not publicly signaled its stance.
Engadget notes that the broader plan would require buy-in from other AI companies, an untested proposition. Political pressure on the sector is mounting, but the feasibility of a sovereign stake remains speculative.