Washington: OpenAI has reportedly held discussions about offering the US government a 5% equity stake in the company as policymakers in Washington increase scrutiny of artificial intelligence firms over safety, national security and the economic impact of AI.
According to a report by the Financial Times, the proposal was discussed as part of broader efforts to ensure that Americans benefit from the rapid growth of the AI industry while addressing concerns about the concentration of wealth and power in a handful of technology companies.
The reported proposal would involve creating a public investment vehicle similar to Alaska’s Permanent Fund, which distributes a share of state oil revenues to residents. Under the idea, the US government would hold equity in leading AI companies, allowing the public to benefit financially from the industry’s long term growth. OpenAI has also reportedly suggested that other major US AI companies could consider similar arrangements, although it remains unclear whether they would support such a plan.
The discussions come as the Trump administration intensifies oversight of advanced AI systems, citing concerns over Cybersecurity, National security, Job displacement and the responsible deployment of increasingly powerful AI models. Policymakers are also examining whether companies developing frontier AI should share more of the economic gains generated by the technology with the public.
Reports indicate that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has discussed the concept with senior US officials, including President Donald Trump and members of the administration. However, the talks are described as preliminary, and no formal agreement has been reached. Any proposal involving a government equity stake would likely require further political and legal review before it could be implemented.
Neither OpenAI nor the White House immediately commented on the reports. Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the details of the proposal.
If implemented, the plan would represent an unprecedented partnership between the US government and the country’s leading AI companies. Supporters argue it could allow the public to share in AI-driven economic growth, while critics are expected to raise questions about government influence, corporate independence and the governance of one of the world’s most valuable technology sectors.
