- Trump is talking to AI leaders about investing in their companies
- POTUS believes that “the American people will like [AI] better” as a result
- AI companies may end up donating some equity to a Public Wealth Fund
The US government has reportedly been in contact with ChatGPT maker OpenAI about owning shares in major AI companies, including OpenAI itself.
The move stems from an idea first raised by OpenAI chief Sam Altman in 2025 as part of a broader concept to ensure that the economic gains from AI reflect the interest of American citizens, but discussions appear to have moved forward.
Although no final decision has been made yet, it could involve AI companies donating some equity to a state-backed Public Wealth Fund.
Could AI companies be forced to donate equity to the US government?
Speaking of Air Force One (per CNBC reporting), President Donald Trump said his administration would consider investing in AI companies to “create almost a partnership with the American public,” noting that discussions are already underway.
“We’re talking about it,” POTUS added, indicating that “where the American people can benefit from the success of AI, the American people will like it better.”
“It would be a beautiful thing,” he declared of the partnership that would make American citizens the beneficiaries of the proposed investments. “It would make them rich.”
By tying itself financially to AI companies, the US government can help improve public perception of AI and share the associated wealth with the country through additional funding, but critics are likely to question the potential state ownership of AI companies like OpenAI.
Separately, Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark said BBC that the Claude maker is “in daily conversations with the US government and we are finding ways to be useful to national security.” Anthropic has spoken out in favor of the potential US deal.
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