ChatGPT developer OpenAI said to discuss offering U.S. government a 5% stake: FT
Key takeaways
- The proposal, which remains in the conceptual stage, was reportedly raised by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during early discussions with U.S. officials, the FT said, citing two people familiar with the talks.
- AI companies contribute similar shares of equity to a public investment vehicle, drawing inspiration from Alaska's Permanent Fund, which distributes returns from state investments to residents.
- The initiative is intended to address growing political scrutiny of the industry by giving the public a direct financial stake in the sector's long-term growth.
The proposal, which remains in the conceptual stage, was reportedly raised by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during early discussions with U.S. officials, the FT said, citing two people familiar with the talks.
The idea would see leading U.S. AI companies contribute similar shares of equity to a public investment vehicle, drawing inspiration from Alaska's Permanent Fund, which distributes returns from state investments to residents.
The initiative is intended to address growing political scrutiny of the industry by giving the public a direct financial stake in the sector's long-term growth. Discussions reportedly involved senior Trump administration officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, although any such arrangement would likely require Congressional approval.