ChatGPT developer OpenAI said to discuss offering U.S. government a 5% stake: FT
CoinDesk 2026-07-02 10:06:22
Context: OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, is discussing a proposal to offer the U.S. government a 5% equity stake in the company, aiming to give the public a financial stake in AI while easing political scrutiny of the industry. The proposal, which remains in its early stages, would likely require Congressional approval and may involve other major AI companies contributing similar shares of equity to a public investment vehicle. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly raised the idea in discussions with U.S. officials.
Key Facts
- OpenAI is exploring the idea of granting the U.S. government a 5% equity stake as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the administration and broaden public participation in the benefits of artificial intelligence.
- The proposal draws inspiration from Alaska's Permanent Fund, which distributes returns from state investments to residents, and would see leading U.S. AI companies contribute similar shares of equity to a public investment vehicle.
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly raised the idea in early discussions with U.S. officials, including senior Trump administration officials such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
- The San Francisco-based company confidentially filed draft IPO paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in June and has indicated it has not committed to a listing timeline.
- Recent reports suggest that OpenAI advisers are weighing a delay in the IPO until 2027, and it is unclear whether other major AI companies, including Anthropic, Google, and Meta, would support a similar arrangement.