The Trump administration and OpenAI are deep in discussions about the U.S. government taking a stake in the AI company, marking a significant shift in how America might approach ownership of critical technology infrastructure. The talks have been ongoing for more than a year, with CEO Sam Altman first pitching the idea to the Trump team in 2025.
The discussions continued this week as Altman met with lawmakers and officials in Washington about AI regulation and development. President Trump confirmed the talks while speaking to reporters on Air Force One Friday, saying there are “concepts where pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public essentially becomes a partner.”
Under the proposed arrangement, OpenAI could donate equity to the U.S. government to help establish what the company calls a “Public Wealth Fund.” This fund would invest in long-term assets and allow American citizens to share in the financial upside of AI growth, potentially receiving returns directly from the fund’s investments.
This move reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to secure government stakes in critical technology companies. The administration has already invested in Intel, IBM, and other quantum computing and critical mineral companies during Trump’s second term. The approach signals growing recognition that AI development is too strategically important to leave entirely to private markets.
The timing is crucial for both parties. OpenAI is valued at more than $850 billion by private investors and is preparing for a potential IPO as soon as this year. The company closed a record funding round in March co-led by MGX, which is backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund. For the Trump administration, the deal would advance its February executive order calling for establishment of a sovereign wealth fund.
The broader context makes this partnership significant for several reasons:
- It would give the U.S. government direct financial interest in America’s leading AI company
- The move could serve as a model for government investment in other critical technologies
- It addresses growing concerns about foreign investment in strategic AI capabilities
- The public wealth fund concept could become a new way to distribute technology gains more broadly
Senator Bernie Sanders discussed the sovereign wealth fund concept with Altman during their Wednesday meeting, indicating bipartisan interest in the approach. The discussions come as Trump has signed new directives pushing federal agencies to adopt AI more rapidly and asking companies to give the government early access to new models for security review.
Tech companies like OpenAI have become central players in shaping White House AI policy. Altman voiced support for Trump’s recent executive order on social media, writing that “the U.S. 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.”
While no official investment terms have been decided and details remain subject to change, the talks represent a significant evolution in how the U.S. government views its role in the AI economy. Rather than simply regulating from the sidelines, the administration is exploring direct financial participation in the industry that many consider essential to national competitiveness.
