Trump Admin & OpenAI: US Gov Stake in AI Startup?

The Trump administration and OpenAI are discussing a potential U.S. government financial stake in the artificial intelligence startup. OpenAI could donate equity to the federal government to create a "Public Wealth Fund." This fund would invest in diversified assets, allowing American citizens to share in AI growth. These talks have been ongoing for over a year. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman initially proposed this concept to the Trump administration in 2025. President Donald Trump acknowledged these discussions, stating that concepts exist where "pieces could be given to the American public." He plans to meet with various AI companies soon. This proposal aligns with the administration's push for a national sovereign wealth fund. The federal government has already taken stakes in other industries during Trump's second term. Lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, are also engaging with the concept. No official investment terms are final. OpenAI, currently valued at over $850 billion, is preparing for a potential initial public offering as early as September. The company recently closed a funding round co-led by the Abu Dhabi-backed fund MGX. This matters because it could change how the public benefits from the growth of artificial intelligence.