OpenAI and White House Negotiate Potential Government Equity Stake

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the Trump administration have been quietly negotiating a potential government stake in the AI startup for over a year, CNBC confirmed Friday. The talks, which began in 2025, have continued this week as Altman met with lawmakers and officials in Washington to discuss regulation and AI progress.

Under the proposed framework, OpenAI could donate equity to the U.S. government to seed a “Public Wealth Fund,” as outlined in the company’s April policy proposal. The fund would invest in diversified, long-term assets and distribute returns directly to American citizens, allowing them to benefit from AI-driven economic growth.

No official terms have been finalized, and details remain fluid. President Donald Trump acknowledged the discussions Friday aboard Air Force One, saying, “There are concepts where pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public essentially becomes a partner.” He added that he plans to meet with AI companies soon.

The talks align with Trump’s February executive order to establish a federal sovereign wealth fund. His administration has already taken stakes in Intel, IBM, and other quantum and critical mineral companies. Sen. Bernie Sanders confirmed he discussed the sovereign wealth fund concept with Altman during their Wednesday meeting.

OpenAI, valued at over $850 billion by private investors, is preparing for an IPO as early as this year. The company recently closed a record funding round co-led by MGX, backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund.

Tech firms like OpenAI have heavily influenced White House AI policy. On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order asking AI companies to voluntarily grant government access to models up to 30 days before release. Altman voiced support on X, writing, “The new EO gets the balance right.”