US government could take stakes in major AI companies

U.S. officials are exploring a proposal where the federal government could acquire stakes in leading AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic. President Donald Trump confirmed the initiative during a press briefing, stating he would meet with representatives of major AI developers at the White House next week. The plan could involve the government receiving equity in exchange for funding or support, with potential dividends distributed to American households. Discussions with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have reportedly taken place for over a year, with the company previously proposing a ‘Public Wealth Fund’ to invest in AI-driven businesses and share returns with U.S. citizens. Trump suggested the government could act as a ‘partner’ with these companies, leveraging their financial scale for public benefit. Senator Bernie Sanders separately proposed a 50% government stake in AI firms, aligning with some aspects of the administration’s approach. The initiative follows a recent $2.013 billion grant program by the U.S. Commerce Department for quantum computing, where companies like IBM and GlobalFoundries provided equity in return for funding. While details remain unclear, sources indicate the AI stake proposal is still in development, with potential models inspired by OpenAI’s policy paper on financial risks and public wealth distribution. Trump noted that economic policies, including this AI proposal, share similarities with Sanders’ ideas, surprising some observers. The White House has not yet specified which companies would be involved or the scale of government participation, but discussions with key AI executives continue. The plan could mark a significant shift in how the U.S. engages with cutting-edge technology sectors.