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President Donald Trump said Friday he has been speaking with AI companies about deals that would let the American people share directly in the sector’s success, with the Trump administration now reportedly discussing an equity stake in OpenAI.

The potential government ownership in the AI leader comes amid growing bipartisan interest in ensuring the public captures some of the massive wealth expected from artificial intelligence. Bloomberg reported that CEO Sam Altman has been floating the idea of government stakes in major AI companies since early 2025.

According to CNBC, the administration’s discussions with OpenAI could involve using part of that equity to help seed a “Public Wealth Fund” proposed by the company. The fund would distribute proceeds directly to citizens, enabling broader participation in AI-driven growth regardless of personal wealth or access to capital, reported Tech Crunch.

Trump elaborated on the concept aboard Air Force One, telling reporters he is exploring ideas where “pieces could be given to the American public,” effectively turning citizens into partners with the companies.

This approach aligns with the administration’s earlier move to take a 10% government stake in struggling chipmaker Intel last year. It also echoes proposals from the left. This week, Sen. Bernie Sanders called for a one-time 50% tax on leading AI firms — including OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI — to be paid in stock. With several of these companies eyeing public offerings this year, Sanders argued the tax would give Americans a direct say in the technology’s future and ensure AI trillions improve lives across the country.

David Sacks, who recently left his post as Trump’s AI and crypto czar and now co-chairs the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, acknowledged the idea’s cross-aisle appeal. “I can see why [Sanders’] idea resonates, including with many on the right,” Sacks posted. Still, he warned it risks accelerating “corporate-government fusion.”

Elsewhere on social media, former Microsoft executive Dare Obasanjo suggested the moves amount to “the groundwork… for a government bailout of OpenAI.”

While Trump did not name specific companies in his Friday remarks, OpenAI has emerged as a focal point. The discussions reflect a broader push to balance rapid AI advancement with public returns, as the industry barrels toward unprecedented valuations and influence.

The White House has not yet detailed the status of the OpenAI negotiations.

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