Trump administration considers taking stakes in OpenAI and other AI giants: Report

The Trump administration is reportedly considering acquiring equity stakes in major artificial intelligence firms, including OpenAI, as part of efforts to ensure public benefits from AI-driven economic growth. According to CNBC, officials have held discussions with AI companies about potential arrangements where the U.S. government could hold shares in these firms, with President Donald Trump publicly supporting the idea. He argues that if AI creates substantial wealth, ordinary Americans should share in the gains rather than leaving profits solely with founders and investors. The discussions come as AI has become a major focus of private capital investment globally, with OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI leading the sector. The U.S. government is also backing large-scale AI infrastructure projects, such as the Stargate initiative—a collaboration between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank that could involve up to $500 billion in investments over time. Additional funding is being allocated to data centers, advanced chips, and energy projects needed to support next-generation AI models. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been a key figure in these discussions, reportedly proposing mechanisms to allow public participation in AI wealth. One idea involves contributing OpenAI equity to establish a public wealth fund managed on behalf of American citizens, rather than relying solely on future taxation of AI profits. Supporters envision the government acting as a long-term shareholder, using returns to benefit the public. Trump’s approach differs from proposals by Senator Bernie Sanders, who has advocated for the government acquiring large ownership stakes in AI firms and placing them into a sovereign wealth fund. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has already taken ownership interests in companies related to semiconductors, quantum computing, and critical minerals, framing these moves as essential for national security and economic competitiveness. Washington is also expanding AI oversight through executive orders, cybersecurity reviews, and voluntary testing frameworks for advanced AI models. For now, no formal agreements have been reached, and the discussions remain in early stages. The proposal could mark a shift in how the U.S. engages with AI firms, balancing private innovation with public economic participation.