Jewish CEO Sam Altman has reportedly proposed giving the Trump administration a 5% ownership stake in OpenAI, a share currently worth about $42 billion.
According to the Financial Times, the proposal was part of broader discussions between OpenAI and the Trump administration as Washington looks for ways to strengthen America’s leadership in artificial intelligence while addressing growing political and national security concerns.
At OpenAI’s current valuation of roughly $852 billion, a 5% stake would be worth approximately $42.6 billion. Altman reportedly believes giving Americans a financial stake in leading AI companies is one of the best ways to share the economic benefits created by artificial intelligence.
The reported plan would not be limited to OpenAI. It would also encourage other major American AI companies, including Anthropic, Google and Meta, to provide similar ownership stakes through a government investment fund, although there is no indication those companies have agreed.
The proposal comes as the United States races to stay ahead of China in artificial intelligence. Washington has increased its focus on AI regulation, cybersecurity and protecting advanced technology from foreign rivals.
Neither the White House nor OpenAI has officially confirmed the proposal. However, if approved, it would mark one of the largest government ownership stakes ever offered by a private technology company and could reshape the relationship between America’s AI industry and the federal government.