Multiple outlets, including the Financial Times, report that OpenAI is in early talks about a deal that would give the Trump administration a 5% ownership stake in the company. CNBC and other sources describe the discussion as a potential way to reduce Washington political pressure and strengthen government ties amid intensifying scrutiny of AI firms.
The reports say the proposal is conceptual and would involve discussions between Sam Altman and Trump administration officials. Some accounts add that any final arrangement could require congressional approval, depending on how the public stake and governance structures are implemented.
The move is discussed in the broader context of heightened attention from U.S. lawmakers and regulators on AI companies’ practices and risks, including concerns about how advanced models could be misused. CNBC also notes that Trump previously said that having the U.S. take an ownership role in major AI companies would be beneficial and could make the public “partners” in the sector’s progress.
No source indicates that a final agreement has been reached.
