The Trump administration is considering having the federal government take equity stakes in leading artificial intelligence companies, with President Donald Trump saying he plans to meet with industry executives next week to discuss what he called a partnership that would benefit the American public.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump said there were concepts where pieces of AI companies could be given to the American public, making the public essentially a partner with the firms. The investment returns could be used for public purposes, such as sending dividends to American households, according to administration officials.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman first pitched the concept of government stakes in major AI firms to the Trump administration in early 2025 and has raised the idea again in recent weeks, according to people familiar with the discussions.
OpenAI, currently valued at more than 850 billion dollars by private investors, is restructuring from a non-profit into a for-profit entity and preparing for an initial public offering. The company confirmed it had proposed in April the establishment of a public wealth fund that could invest in diversified long-term assets and allow citizens to share directly in AI-driven growth.
Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed more aggressive legislation that would require top AI companies to transfer 50 percent of their equity to a government sovereign wealth fund. Trump did not dismiss the idea when asked about it.
The meeting with AI company executives is expected to take place around June 9-10, according to reports. No formal agenda has been announced, and details of any potential arrangement remain under discussion.
Industry observers have noted that the proposal represents a significant departure from standard US tech policy. Questions remain about the legal mechanisms that would be needed to implement such arrangements.