OpenAI discusses offering 5% government stake to ease regulatory tensions

OpenAI is said to be negotiating a proposal that would give the U.S. government a 5 percent equity stake in the company, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. The idea, first presented to former President Trump early last year, is intended to align public and private interests in the rapidly expanding artificial-intelligence sector. Based on the firm’s most recent valuation of $852 billion, the stake would be worth roughly $42.6 billion.

The discussions are in preliminary stages and could involve similar arrangements with other American AI firms, though it remains uncertain whether those companies would consent. The proposal emerges as the administration has taken a more active role in AI policy, including designating OpenAI as a supply-chain risk and imposing export controls on its latest models.

Public officials have shown interest in mechanisms to capture a share of AI-generated wealth. The government previously acquired a 10 percent stake in chipmaker Intel and has sought a portion of AI-chip sales revenue from other manufacturers. Lawmakers such as Senator Bernie Sanders have advocated for broader taxation of AI-related assets to fund a sovereign wealth fund.