US Government in Talks for Possible Stake in AI Firm OpenAI
TL/DR –
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the White House are reportedly discussing a potential government stake in the artificial intelligence (AI) company. These talks have been ongoing for over a year, and the potential deal could include OpenAI donating equity to the US government to fund a “Public Wealth Fund.” This would allow citizens to financially benefit from AI growth, and while no official investment terms have been agreed yet, the company is currently valued at over $850 billion.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the White House are discussing potential government investment in the AI firm, CNBC confirmed.
Discussions with the Trump administration began over a year ago. This week, Altman met with Washington officials to discuss AI regulation and developments.
Potential agreement terms could involve OpenAI donating equity to the U.S. government for a “Public Wealth Fund“, as detailed in their April policy proposal. The fund could invest in long-term assets and enable citizens to participate in AI growth, according to the document.
No official terms have been decided and details are still being negotiated. Notus first reported the recent discussions.
President Donald Trump is expected to meet with AI companies soon. He suggested that pieces of the potential deal could be given to the American public.
Trump signed an executive order calling for a sovereign wealth fund. The administration has previously bought stakes in Intel and IBM among others.
OpenAI, valued at over $850 billion, is preparing for an IPO this year. The company raised record-breaking funds in March and has heavily influenced the White House’s stance on AI technology.
Trump recently signed a directive encouraging national security organizations to adopt AI technology. This came shortly after an executive order requesting AI firms to provide government access to their models.
AI executives, including Altman, voiced their support on social media.
— CNBC’s K. Sloan and E. Wilkins contributed to this story.
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