OpenAI is discussing a proposal to grant the U.S. government more than five percent equity [1] in the company to share AI-generated profits.

This potential arrangement represents a significant shift in how private artificial intelligence firms interact with federal oversight. By tying government ownership to corporate success, OpenAI aims to create a direct mechanism for distributing the financial gains of AI to the general public.

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, held discussions regarding the proposal with President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent [1]. The talks focused on the economic implications of AI and the necessity of managing the wealth it creates.

Altman said that granting equity to the government is the best way to distribute AI-generated wealth to the public [1]. He also said this move could help reduce political backlash against AI companies as the technology continues to disrupt labor markets and traditional industries.

The proposal suggests a model where the federal government holds a stake in the company's valuation and earnings [1]. This would theoretically allow the administration to allocate funds derived from AI growth toward public initiatives, or direct citizen benefits.

Such a move would be unprecedented for a major AI laboratory. Most technology companies maintain a strict separation between private equity and government ownership to avoid direct state influence over product development and corporate governance.

Representatives for the Trump administration have not yet confirmed if the proposal is being formally considered or if a specific agreement has been reached [1].

“OpenAI is discussing offering the Trump administration more than 5% equity in the company.”

This proposal suggests that OpenAI is anticipating significant political and social pressure regarding the concentration of AI wealth. By offering the government a direct ownership stake, the company may be attempting to preempt aggressive antitrust actions or new restrictive regulations by transforming the state from a regulator into a shareholder.