OpenAI has proposed handing the US government roughly a 5% stake in the company during talks with the Trump administration, the Financial Times reported on July 2, 2026, in a move said to be aimed at securing political support.
July 2, 2026 · OpenAI × US Government
OpenAI Floats Handing Washington a 5% Stake
In early-stage talks with the Trump administration, OpenAI has discussed transferring equity to seed a "Public Wealth Fund" that would pay AI dividends directly to American citizens. No formal agreement has been reached.
1–5%
Discussed stake range (FT cites 5%)
$852B
OpenAI private valuation
$42.6B
Value of a 5% stake
Contribution as % of equity
Voluntary offer vs. a proposed AI tax
5%
OpenAI discussed
50%
Sanders proposal
Critics call the voluntary contribution modest against a proposal to tax AI firms 50% in equity.
How it would work
OpenAI equity
Company contributes shares (1–5%)
→
Public Wealth Fund
Seeded with transferred assets
→
Citizens
Direct AI-growth dividends
SUPPORTERS SAY
Spreads AI-boom wealth broadly, makes citizens partners
Aligns with Altman's long-held views; Trump said favorable
Smart diplomacy to lower regulatory hurdles
CRITICS WARN
Political interference & censorship risk from state ownership
Conflicts of interest; a de facto government bailout
Voluntary contribution too modest vs. a 50% tax proposal
Status: Talks between Altman and senior officials have run since early 2025 and recently resumed. No formal agreement, contract, or official announcement has been confirmed. Other firms such as Anthropic are reportedly not involved.
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