OpenAI Reportedly in Early Talks to Offer 5% Stake to US Government Amid AI Policy Discussions

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly in the early stages of discussions about offering a 5% equity stake to the US government, according to a report by the Financial Times. The proposal is said to be part of a broader effort to ensure that the economic benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) are shared more widely while strengthening cooperation between the AI industry and policymakers.

The discussions are currently at a conceptual stage, and no final decision has been made.

Sam Altman Advocates Public Participation in AI Growth

According to the report, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes that giving the public a financial stake in leading AI companies could help distribute the long-term economic gains generated by artificial intelligence.

The proposal reportedly envisions not only OpenAI but also other major US AI companies contributing a similar percentage of equity to a public investment vehicle that would ultimately benefit American citizens.

The idea is intended to create broader public participation in AI-driven economic growth while improving trust between technology companies, policymakers, and the public.

Proposal May Include Other AI Companies

The report states that OpenAI has suggested other major AI developers—including Anthropic, Google, and Meta—could also participate in a similar initiative by contributing a portion of their equity.

However, it remains unclear whether these companies would support or adopt such a proposal.

If implemented, the initiative could represent one of the most significant efforts to connect the financial success of the AI industry with broader public ownership.

Public Wealth Fund Model Under Consideration

According to the report, discussions have included the possibility of creating an investment vehicle similar to the Alaska Permanent Fund, which invests state revenues and distributes financial benefits to eligible residents.

Such a public wealth fund could potentially hold equity stakes in AI companies and provide long-term returns to citizens as the artificial intelligence sector continues to expand.

OpenAI has previously suggested in policy papers that a public wealth fund could help ensure that every citizen—not only investors—benefits from AI-driven economic growth.

AI Industry Faces Increasing Government Scrutiny

The reported proposal comes as artificial intelligence companies face growing regulatory attention in the United States.

Recent government actions related to national security, AI safety, and access to advanced AI models have increased discussions between technology companies and policymakers regarding the future regulation of artificial intelligence.

Industry leaders have been engaging with government officials on issues including AI governance, innovation, security, and public benefit as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into the global economy.

OpenAI Preparing for Future Growth

According to reports, OpenAI and AI startup Anthropic are preparing for potential future public listings, with some market analysts estimating that both companies could eventually achieve valuations exceeding $1 trillion, depending on market conditions and future growth.

The reported equity proposal is believed to be part of broader discussions surrounding AI governance, public participation, and the long-term economic impact of artificial intelligence.

Discussions Remain Preliminary

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the discussions remain at an early stage and are largely conceptual.

Any proposal involving government ownership or the creation of a public investment fund would likely require extensive regulatory review and could also require approval through legislation before implementation.

No official announcement has been made by OpenAI regarding any agreement with the US government.

Agency Inputs