OpenAI has reportedly proposed giving the U.S. government a 5% stake in the company. The reason behind this effort is to ease increasing political and regulatory pressure surrounding artificial intelligence in Washington.
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According to a report citing people familiar with the discussions, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman floated the idea during early talks with the Trump administration. The proposal is a broader plan under which the U.S. government would hold a 5% stake in each of the country’s leading AI companies through a government-backed investment vehicle.
Stake Could Be Worth More Than $42 Billion
Based on OpenAI’s latest valuation, the proposed government stake would be worth approximately $42.6 billion. The AI company reached a post-money valuation of $852 billion after closing a record-breaking funding round in March. Altman reportedly argued that allowing the public to hold a financial interest in leading AI companies would be one of the most effective ways to ensure that the economic benefits of AI are shared more broadly.
Proposal Extends to Other Major AI Companies
The reported framework would not be limited to OpenAI. It also envisions other leading U.S. AI developers, including Anthropic, Google and Meta, offering similar 5% stakes to the government through a sovereign wealth fund-style structure. However, it remains unclear whether any of those companies would be willing to participate in such an arrangement.
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No Official Response Yet
As of now, the White House, OpenAI, Google and Meta have not responded to requests for comment on the reported proposal. Meanwhile, a source familiar with the matter said that the Trump administration and Anthropic have not discussed about the U.S. government acquiring an ownership stake in the company.
AI Firms Face Rising Scrutiny in Washington
The reported proposal comes at a time when major U.S. AI companies are facing growing scrutiny from policymakers. Concerns have intensified over the cybersecurity risks associated with advanced AI models, while competition from Chinese open-source AI models has accelerated.
Several Chinese AI models are increasingly viewed as nearly matching the capabilities of leading U.S. systems while offering significantly lower costs, adding to the competitive pressure on American AI developers.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future. She has also conducted high-profile interviews and podcasts with industry leaders, bringing sharp analysis and accessible storytelling to a wide audience.
