AI Investment
The White House and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are continuing discussions over a possible U.S. government stake in the artificial intelligence company, according to CNBC, citing a person familiar with the matter. The talks reportedly began in 2025, when Altman raised the idea with the Trump administration, and continued this week during meetings with lawmakers and officials in Washington.
One proposal under discussion would involve OpenAI donating equity to the federal government to help launch a “Public Wealth Fund,” a concept the company described in an April policy paper. OpenAI said such a fund could invest in long-term assets and allow Americans to share in the financial gains produced by AI growth, potentially through direct returns. No terms have been finalized, and the structure remains subject to change.
President Donald Trump addressed the idea Friday aboard Air Force One, saying there are “concepts” under which pieces of AI companies could be provided to the American public, effectively making citizens partners. He also said he expects to meet with AI companies soon.
The discussions fit within a broader administration effort to expand federal involvement in strategic industries. Trump signed an executive order in February directing the creation of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund. His administration has also taken stakes in Intel, IBM, and companies tied to quantum computing and critical minerals.
OpenAI, recently valued above $850 billion by private investors, is preparing for a possible initial public offering as soon as this year. Its latest funding round included MGX, backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund.
The talks come as the administration advances AI policy. Trump recently directed national security agencies to accelerate AI adoption and signed an order asking AI companies to provide pre-release model access to the government on a voluntary basis.