The Trump administration and OpenAI are discussing an unprecedented possibility: handing an equity stake in the startup to the US federal government. It's not a purchase using public funds, but a more complex structure that could redraw the relationship between the state and major AI companies.
How It Would Work
The structure OpenAI has proposed involves an equity donation to the government — not a sale. The shares would fund what OpenAI calls a "Public Wealth Fund": a sovereign fund dedicated to artificial intelligence, outlined in the company's policy document from April 2026.
The fund would invest in diversified long-term assets. Under the proposal, returns could be distributed directly to American citizens — a kind of national AI dividend.
President Trump commented: "There are concepts where pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public would essentially become a partner."
Who Proposed the Idea
The idea didn't originate at the White House. It was Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, who brought the proposal to the Trump administration in 2025 — over a year ago. Negotiations have therefore been underway for a while, even though they're only now emerging publicly with more clarity.
Why This Is Important News
This kind of deal would be unprecedented in the American tech landscape. The US government doesn't typically hold stakes in private companies — and OpenAI isn't just any company: it's the most highly valued in the AI sector, with growing influence over the economy, national security, and global politics.
The government's potential entry as a shareholder raises questions about:
- Governance — who would have a say in strategic decisions?
- Independence — would OpenAI remain free to choose its own development models?
- Conflicts of interest — a government that's both a shareholder and a regulator creates ambiguous situations
The State of the Negotiations
As of June 2026, no deal has been finalized. The terms are still under discussion and subject to change. Sources close to the negotiations confirm the talks are active, but the road to a formal agreement is still long.
In parallel, according to reporting from NOTUS, the Trump administration is reportedly considering equity stakes not just in OpenAI, but also in other major AI companies — suggesting a broader strategy of government involvement in the sector.
If the deal were to materialize, it would change how the American government relates to the AI industry: from observer and regulator to direct stakeholder. A transformation with consequences that are hard to predict — both for innovation and for the geopolitics of artificial intelligence.