Trump administration, OpenAI discussing possible government stake in the AI startup

Discussions are underway between OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, and officials from the White House regarding a potential government investment in the AI company. This dialogue, which has reportedly been ongoing for over a year, was initially proposed by Altman to the Trump administration in 2025, according to a confidential source. This week, Altman engaged with various lawmakers and government officials in Washington, D.C., focusing on regulatory measures and advancements in artificial intelligence. The proposed arrangement may involve OpenAI contributing equity to the U.S. government, potentially establishing a 'Public Wealth Fund' as suggested in a policy proposal released by the company in April. This fund aims to invest in a diversified portfolio, allowing citizens to benefit from the financial gains associated with AI growth. Currently, no formal investment terms have been established, and discussions remain fluid. The recent talks were first reported by Notus. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to initiate the creation of a sovereign wealth fund managed by the federal government. During his second term, Trump also invested in companies like Intel and IBM, focusing on critical technologies. Senator Bernie Sanders revealed that he and Altman discussed the sovereign wealth fund concept during their meeting on Wednesday. OpenAI, valued at over $850 billion by private investors, is preparing for a potential initial public offering later this year, following a record funding round in March co-led by MGX, backed by Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund. The role of tech companies like OpenAI has been pivotal in influencing the government’s approach to emerging AI technologies. Recently, Trump signed an executive order inviting AI firms to voluntarily grant the government access to their models for a period of up to 30 days prior to their public release. While details of the order remain vague, Altman and other industry leaders expressed their endorsement on social media. Altman emphasized the importance of U.S. leadership in AI, advocating for the development of safe technology and empowering trusted defenders with cyber tools.