OpenAI is reportedly exploring a proposal that would give the U.S. government a 5% equity stake in leading American AI companies, including itself. According to reports, CEO Sam Altman has discussed the idea with officials as a way to ensure the public benefits financially from the rapid growth of artificial intelligence while strengthening cooperation between the AI industry and policymakers.
The proposal envisions the government holding these stakes through a sovereign wealth fund, similar to the Alaska Permanent Fund, which distributes investment returns to residents. Under this model, profits generated by the AI sector could eventually be shared with the public, addressing concerns that AI's economic gains are becoming concentrated among a small group of companies and investors.
The discussions are still in the early stages, and any such arrangement would likely require approval from the U.S. Congress. OpenAI has reportedly encouraged other major AI developers, including Anthropic, Google, and Meta, to consider participating in a similar framework if the proposal moves forward.
The reported initiative comes amid increasing government scrutiny of advanced AI technologies, with policymakers seeking greater oversight of AI development, national security safeguards, and ways to ensure the economic benefits of AI are shared more broadly. While no formal agreement has been reached, the proposal signals a growing effort to redefine the relationship between the U.S. government and the AI industry.
