President Donald Trump announced that the US government may pursue equity stakes in leading artificial intelligence companies, framing the initiative as a way to let ordinary Americans share in the profits of an industry growing at breakneck speed.
Trump made the remarks aboard Air Force One on June 5, describing the concept as a “partnership with the American public.” He also revealed plans to meet with AI executives, including OpenAI leadership, in the coming week to flesh out the idea.
From Intel to OpenAI: the government as investor
This isn’t the administration’s first foray into taking ownership positions in tech companies. The Trump administration previously acquired a 10% equity stake in Intel, a deal that reportedly saw Intel’s stock value double afterward.
Discussions about this specific initiative have apparently been underway for well over a year. Conversations between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the Trump administration trace back to early 2025.
