OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is reportedly exploring a proposal that could see the U.S. government receive a 5% ownership stake in the artificial intelligence company as policymakers increase their focus on regulating and overseeing the rapidly expanding AI industry.
According to reports, the discussions remain in their early stages and are part of broader conversations about creating a framework that would allow the American public to benefit financially from the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
The proposal reportedly extends beyond OpenAI and could involve other leading U.S.-based AI companies offering similar equity stakes to the federal government as part of a wider industry initiative.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly argued that such an arrangement would help ensure that the economic benefits generated by artificial intelligence are shared more broadly with the public. He also believes the proposal could ease political concerns surrounding the technology as governments around the world continue to examine its economic and societal impact.
Neither OpenAI nor the White House has officially confirmed the reported discussions. OpenAI declined to comment on the reports, while the White House has not issued a public response.
Based on OpenAI’s latest funding valuation of approximately $852 billion, a 5% stake in the company would be worth an estimated $42.6 billion, highlighting the enormous financial value attached to one of the world’s leading AI developers.
The reported discussions come amid growing debate over how governments should regulate artificial intelligence while ensuring that its economic gains are distributed more widely. As AI continues to automate tasks across multiple industries, concerns have increased over its potential impact on employment, economic inequality and national security.
President Donald Trump recently indicated that his administration is considering new ways for the federal government to participate in the growth of the AI sector. Speaking to reporters last month, Trump said he planned to meet with leading artificial intelligence executives to discuss proposals that could allow the public to benefit directly from the industry’s success.
During an interview with CNBC, Trump also defended the idea of the federal government taking ownership stakes in private companies. He argued that such investments could be beneficial if they support strategic industries and ultimately generate value for the American people.
The President pointed to the government’s investment in Intel as an example, noting that the company’s stock performance had improved after federal support. While he was asked whether similar investments could extend to AI companies, he stopped short of confirming any specific plans.
The reported OpenAI proposal comes at a time when major AI developers are facing heightened government scrutiny over the release of increasingly advanced artificial intelligence models.
OpenAI and rival AI company Anthropic have both experienced regulatory reviews involving their next-generation systems. Anthropic recently announced that U.S. authorities had lifted export restrictions on some of its most advanced AI models following discussions with government officials.
Reports have also indicated that the White House requested OpenAI to limit the initial rollout of its upcoming GPT-5.6 model to a select group of government-approved partners because of concerns surrounding its advanced capabilities.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to global economic growth and technological innovation, discussions about government oversight, public participation and responsible AI development are expected to intensify. While the reported proposal remains under discussion, it highlights the growing effort to balance innovation with public accountability as AI continues to reshape industries worldwide.
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