OpenAI Proposes a $42.6B Equity Stake to U.S. Government in a Historic AI Deal
In a move that could redefine the relationship between Big Tech and Washington, OpenAI has proposed offering the U.S. government a 5% equity stake in the company. This stake is valued at an estimated $42.6 billion, based on the company’s $852 billion valuation from its record-breaking funding round in March 2026.
The proposal, initially reported by the Financial Times and later confirmed by multiple sources, was presented by CEO Sam Altman to high-ranking Trump administration officials. These included Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Altman believes this arrangement is the most effective way to ensure the American public benefits from the financial success of the AI revolution. The idea is inspired by the Alaska Permanent Fund—a sovereign wealth vehicle that invests the state’s oil revenues and pays annual dividends to its residents.
As part of OpenAI’s wider vision, other leading U.S. AI companies such as Anthropic, Google, and Meta would also contribute similar 5% stakes to a government-managed public wealth fund. However, none of these companies have formally committed to this proposal.
This proposal emerges amidst increasing political pressure in Washington over the economic and national security implications of AI. It follows a trend set by the Trump administration of acquiring corporate equity stakes, most notably a 10% stake in Intel following an $8.9 billion investment last year.
President Trump has described U.S. ownership in AI giants as a “beautiful thing”, suggesting it would make Americans “partners in this revolution.” However, these discussions are still theoretical and would likely require an act of Congress to be implemented. OpenAI has yet to comment on the current status of the negotiations.
Source: CNBC — OpenAI Government Stake Proposal, July 2, 2026