OpenAI Considers Granting US Government 5% Stake to Address AI Concerns

OpenAI, the artificial intelligence startup valued at $852 billion, is reportedly considering giving the US government a 5% ownership stake in the company. This move aims to ease political tensions and counter public criticism surrounding AI technology, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. CEO Sam Altman has suggested that providing a financial stake to the public is the best way to share AI benefits, proposing the 5% share in early discussions with government officials.

The proposed ownership transfer is intended to foster positive relations between OpenAI and the government while addressing political and public scrutiny by sharing generated equity with the public. OpenAI and its major competitor Anthropic have both faced increased criticism, with the US government initially restricting the rollout of their latest advanced AI models. Both companies also plan to go public, which would broaden their ownership base and yield significant returns for current investors. However, OpenAI is likely to postpone its IPO until next year.

The plan involves other US AI companies potentially granting similar stakes to the government, possibly through an external entity like Alaska's sovereign wealth fund, which invests the state's oil revenues in stocks. It remains uncertain whether companies such as Anthropic, Google, and Meta will agree to such arrangements. Sources emphasize that talks are in early stages and any deal would require Congressional approval.

Altman has reportedly discussed the proposal with senior officials, including former President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant. OpenAI declined to comment, and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. This initiative appears inspired by a previous deal last August, when the US government acquired a 10% stake in chipmaker Intel.