OpenAI could soon make one of its biggest business moves yet. Reports say the ChatGPT maker is discussing a plan to give the US government a 5% stake in the company. However, it has already sparked major conversations across the tech world.
If approved, the proposal could also encourage other American AI companies to offer similar government stakes. Based on OpenAI’s latest valuation of $852 billion, a 5% share would be worth about $42.6 billion.
Interestingly, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes the plan could benefit ordinary Americans. He reportedly said the arrangement would allow the public to share in the financial rewards of artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, OpenAI also supported the idea of creating a “public wealth fund.”
The company said such a fund would “provide every citizen – including those not invested in financial markets – with a stake in AI-driven economic growth.” Meanwhile, OpenAI declined to comment on the latest report, while the White House has not responded publicly.
The talks come as the Trump administration increases its focus on artificial intelligence. Last month, President Donald Trump said he planned to meet leading AI executives. He explained that his administration was exploring ways for the government and the public to benefit from the industry’s rapid growth.
At the same time, OpenAI and rival Anthropic have faced closer government checks before releasing powerful new AI models. Reports also claim the White House asked OpenAI to limit access to its upcoming GPT-5.6 model to selected government-approved partners because of its advanced abilities.
Looking ahead, OpenAI and Anthropic are both preparing for future stock market listings. That move would allow more people to invest directly in the companies. However, the proposed government stake could take a different path. The plan may require approval from the US Congress before becoming law. It is also unclear whether other AI companies support the proposal.
If it happens, the decision could reshape how the US government, the tech industry, and the public share the future profits of artificial intelligence
