OpenAI and White House weigh U.S. stake in $850 billion AI firm
What's new: The talks could seed a public wealth fund with equity and come as OpenAI prepares for a possible IPO this year.
OpenAI and the Trump administration are discussing a possible U.S. government stake in the AI company, a proposal that could channel equity into a public wealth fund tied to AI growth. CNBC reported the talks have been underway for more than a year, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman raising the idea in 2025 and continuing discussions in Washington this week. No terms have been set. Trump said the concept could make the American public a "partner" and said he plans to meet AI executives soon. OpenAI is valued by private investors at more than $850 billion and is preparing for a possible IPO as soon as this year. The talks come as the White House pushes faster AI adoption while weighing how closely to regulate leading models.