Discussions are underway between the Trump administration and OpenAI regarding a potential governmental stake in the artificial intelligence startup. As reported by CNBC on Friday, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, and representatives from the White House have been exploring such an arrangement for over a year.
According to a source familiar with the matter, cited by CNBC, Altman initially presented the concept to the Trump administration in 2025. These discussions recently resumed in Washington this week, where Altman engaged with various lawmakers and officials to address AI regulation and advancements.
Under the proposed deal, the AI startup could cede a portion of its equity to the federal government. This stake would then form the basis for a sovereign wealth fund, mirroring the “public benefit sovereign wealth fund” outlined in an April policy proposal from OpenAI.
This proposal suggests the fund would invest in a diverse array of long-term assets to foster national prosperity. Such a structure would enable US citizens to directly benefit from AI’s economic growth, potentially through direct payments.
President Donald Trump offered his perspective on the ongoing talks to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday. “There are concepts where parts of it could be given to the American people, where the American people essentially become partners,” he stated.
The President also indicated his intention to meet with various AI companies in the near future. This initiative aligns with an executive order signed by Trump in February, which called for the establishment of a national sovereign wealth fund.
During Trump’s second presidential term, his administration previously acquired financial interests in companies like Intel, International Business Machines, and several others involved in quantum technology and mining. The specific terms of any OpenAI investment have yet to be finalized, and the details of the agreement are subject to change.
In its latest funding round in March, private investors valued OpenAI at over $850 billion, as the company continues to expand its operations. The AI pioneer is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering, which could occur as early as this year.
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