The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, is discussing a possible equity investment in OpenAI, the artificial‑intelligence startup, with CEO Sam Altman.
The idea was first presented by Altman in 2025 and has been under discussion for more than a year; recent meetings took place in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers and officials.
President Trump referenced a February executive order that directs the creation of a national sovereign wealth fund, describing a model where the American public could become a partner in AI growth.
Under the proposed arrangement, OpenAI could donate equity to the federal government, which would seed a “Public Wealth Fund” outlined in OpenAI’s April policy proposal; the fund would invest in diversified long‑term assets and allow citizens to share in AI upside.
The administration has previously taken equity stakes in Intel, International Business Machines (IBM) and other quantum and mineral companies during Trump’s second term, but no definitive terms have been set for OpenAI.
Private investors valued OpenAI at more than $850 billion in its March 2026 funding round; the company is preparing for an initial public offering that could occur in 2026.
