OpenAI in talks to give U.S. government an equity stake in $850 billion AI startup as IPO nears

Just a day after Senator Bernie Sanders proposed that Americans should share directly in the wealth created by artificial intelligence, OpenAI is reportedly discussing an unprecedented idea with the Trump administration: giving the U.S. government an ownership stake in the company.

“OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the White House are in ongoing talks about a possible government stake in the artificial intelligence company, CNBC confirmed on Friday,” the business news outlet wrote.

According to a CNBC report, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and White House officials have been engaged in discussions for more than a year about a possible government stake in the company. The conversations reportedly began in 2025 and continued this week as Altman met with lawmakers and administration officials in Washington to discuss AI policy and regulation.

The proposal remains in its early stages. No investment terms have been finalized, and the structure of any potential arrangement could still change. Yet the fact that such discussions are taking place marks a striking moment for the AI industry, in which a private company valued at more than $850 billion is exploring ways for the public to participate in the economic gains generated by AI.

Could Americans Become OpenAI Shareholders? Altman and White House Discuss Government Stake

At the center of the talks is a concept OpenAI outlined in a policy proposal released in April. The company suggested creating a “Public Wealth Fund” to invest in long-term assets and distribute returns to citizens, enabling more Americans to benefit from AI-driven economic growth.

As part of that vision, OpenAI could donate equity to the U.S. government to help seed the fund, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

President Donald Trump acknowledged the talks on Friday while speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One.

“There are concepts where pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public essentially becomes a partner,” Trump said, according to CNBC.

Trump added that he plans to meet with AI companies in the near future.

How an OpenAI Equity Stake Could Give Americans a Share of the AI Boom

The discussions come as Washington takes a more active role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. In February, Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to establish a sovereign wealth fund. His administration has already taken ownership positions in Intel, IBM, and several companies involved in quantum technologies and critical minerals.

Sanders confirmed to CNBC that he discussed the idea of a sovereign wealth fund with Altman during a meeting on Wednesday, adding another layer to the growing debate over who should benefit from the enormous wealth expected to be created by AI.

OpenAI has emerged as one of the most influential companies in that debate. The company completed a record funding round in March, valuing it at more than $850 billion. Investors in the round included MGX, which is backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund. OpenAI is widely expected to pursue an initial public offering, potentially as soon as this year.

The talks arrive amid a series of moves by the Trump administration aimed at accelerating AI adoption across the federal government.

On Friday, Trump signed a directive instructing national security agencies to accelerate AI adoption and deploy advanced AI models from multiple vendors. The directive followed another executive order signed earlier this week that asks AI companies to voluntarily provide the government with access to their models for up to 30 days before public release.

Several AI executives, including Altman, voiced support for the policy.

“The U.S. 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,” Altman wrote in a post on X. “The new EO gets the balance right.”

theUSshould 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.

— Sam Altman (@sama) June 3, 2026

For now, the idea of the U.S. government holding equity in OpenAI remains a proposal rather than a deal. Still, the discussions signal a shift in how policymakers and technology leaders are thinking about AI ownership. What once sounded like a political talking point is now being discussed at the highest levels of government and one of the world’s most valuable AI companies.