OpenAI is in advanced discussions to grant the US government a 5% equity stake in the company, a move designed to mitigate mounting political scrutiny in Washington.
The proposal, first reported by the Financial Times and subsequently analyzed by the Australian Financial Review, represents a strategic pivot by CEO Sam Altman to secure regulatory goodwill ahead of a major capital raise.
The potential transfer of ownership to the Trump administration would mark a historic departure from traditional US government relations with private technology firms.
By offering a direct financial interest in the AI leader, OpenAI aims to align its corporate trajectory with the current administration's pro-AI stance, effectively trading equity for political cover.
This development comes as OpenAI prepares to solicit billions of dollars from Wall Street investors in the coming months.
The government stake could serve as a stabilizing factor for institutional investors concerned about regulatory overreach, though it also raises complex questions about state influence in private sector innovation.