OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly engaged in discussions with the Trump administration regarding a proposal that could grant the US government an ownership stake in the artificial intelligence company. As part of these ongoing talks, OpenAI may donate a portion of its shares to help establish a public wealth fund, according to a CNBC report.
Details of the Proposed Arrangement
The reported discussions involve a potential framework in which OpenAI would contribute equity to the US government. This equity would be used to seed a government-backed investment vehicle, similar to the “Public Wealth Fund” concept outlined in OpenAI’s policy proposal earlier this year. The fund would invest in diversified, long-term assets and could potentially distribute returns directly to American citizens.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the talks have been underway for more than a year, beginning after Altman first raised the idea with the Trump administration in 2025. Discussions continued this week as Altman met with lawmakers and government officials in Washington DC to address AI regulation and sector developments.
OpenAI’s Public Wealth Fund Proposal
OpenAI first introduced the concept in an April policy proposal, describing a “Public Wealth Fund” that would allow US citizens to benefit economically from AI-driven growth. The company suggested that the fund could invest in a variety of long-term assets and provide returns to citizens, enabling them to share in the “upside” of AI advancements. However, no formal investment structure or ownership terms have been finalized, and the details remain subject to change.
Broader Government Interest in Strategic Tech
The reported talks coincide with the Trump administration’s exploration of a more active role in strategic technology sectors. The US government has already taken stakes in companies such as Intel, International Business Machines, and firms involved in quantum computing and rare earth minerals. Additionally, US Senator Bernie Sanders confirmed that he discussed the sovereign wealth fund concept with Altman during a meeting this week, highlighting bipartisan interest in the proposal.
OpenAI’s Valuation and IPO Plans
OpenAI, which private investors reportedly value at over $850 billion, is also preparing for a potential initial public offering that could occur as early as this year. In March, the company completed a major funding round co-led by MGX, an investment firm backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund.
Trump’s Executive Order on AI
Earlier this week, President Trump signed an executive order requesting that AI companies voluntarily provide the government with access to their models for up to 30 days before public release. While the order lacks extensive implementation details, executives from several AI companies, including Altman, publicly supported the measure.
Reacting to the order, Altman wrote on X: “The US should lead on AI by continuing to develop the very best models, making sure they’re safe, and getting cyber tools into the hands of trusted defenders. The new EO gets the balance right.”
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