The Trump administration might take an equity stake in OpenAI

On Friday, President Donald Trump revealed that he has engaged in discussions with artificial intelligence companies about forging partnerships that would allow the American public to share in the benefits of AI advancements. While Trump did not specify which companies he was referring to, reports indicate that OpenAI is a prime candidate for such deals. According to CNBC, the Trump administration has been contemplating acquiring an equity stake in OpenAI, potentially to support a new initiative known as the 'Public Wealth Fund.' This fund aims to ensure that the financial gains from AI development are shared with citizens, thereby enabling broader participation in the wealth generated by this technology. During an interaction with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump elaborated on his conversations with AI executives, suggesting that various models could allow the American people to become stakeholders in AI companies. Bloomberg noted that OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has been advocating for the idea of government investment in leading AI firms since early 2025, aligning with Trump’s interest in government stakes in private enterprises, as evidenced by a recent 10% investment in Intel. The concept of public ownership of AI has also garnered support from some lawmakers. Senator Bernie Sanders proposed a one-time 50% tax on companies such as OpenAI and xAI that would be paid in stock. He argues that this initiative would empower the public to have a say in the future of AI and ensure that the enormous profits generated by the technology benefit everyone. Investor David Sacks, who recently concluded his role as Trump's advisor on AI and cryptocurrency, remarked on social media that Sanders’ proposal resonates widely, including among conservative circles. However, he cautioned that such measures could exacerbate the merging of corporate and government interests. Additionally, former Microsoft employee Dare Obasanjo hinted at the possibility of a governmental bailout for OpenAI, suggesting that discussions are already underway.