OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly in talks with the Trump administration over a proposal that could give the US government a stake in the company. As part of the discussions, OpenAI may donate some of its shares to seed a public wealth fund, a report claims.According to a CNBC report, Altman is in ongoing discussions with the Trump administration over a potential arrangement in which the artificial intelligence (AI) company would donate equity to the US government. The proposed move is being explored to help establish a government-backed investment vehicle similar to the “Public Wealth Fund” outlined in OpenAI’s policy proposal earlier this year.The talks, which have reportedly been underway for more than a year, began after Altman first raised the concept with the Trump administration in 2025. Discussions continued this week as Altman met with lawmakers and government officials in Washington DC, to discuss AI regulation and developments in the sector, the report added.A source familiar with the matter told CNBC that OpenAI could contribute a portion of its equity to the US government as part of the proposed framework. The equity would be used to seed a public investment fund that could invest in diversified, long-term assets and potentially distribute returns to American citizens.
What is OpenAI’s proposed Public Wealth Fund for US citizens
OpenAI first outlined the idea in an April policy proposal, describing a “Public Wealth Fund” that could allow US citizens to participate in the economic gains generated by AI-driven growth. The company said the fund could “invest in diversified, long-term assets” and would allow citizens to participate in the “upside” of AI growth, possibly by receiving the fund’s returns directly. No formal investment structure or ownership terms have been finalised and discussions remain ongoing, the report added. The details could change before any agreement is reached.The reported talks come as the Trump administration explores a more active role in strategic technology sectors. The US government has already taken stakes in companies including Intel, International Business Machines, and businesses involved in quantum computing and rare earth minerals. Even US Senator Bernie Sanders said he discussed the concept of a sovereign wealth fund with Altman during a meeting this week, indicating that the proposal is drawing attention from lawmakers across the political spectrum.OpenAI, which private investors reportedly value at more than $850 billion, is also preparing for a potential initial public offering that could take place as early as this year. In March, the company completed a major funding round co-led by MGX, an investment firm backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund.Earlier this week, Trump signed an executive order asking AI companies to voluntarily provide the government with access to their models for up to 30 days before public release. While the order does not provide extensive implementation details, executives from several AI companies, including Altman, publicly supported the measure.
What potential benefit do you see in a Public Wealth Fund supported by OpenAI?
Reacting to this order, Altman wrote in a post on X,“The US 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. The new EO gets the balance right.”
