A HOT POTATO: The US government taking a stake in Intel last year was surprising enough, but Washington might not stop at chipmakers. Senior officials have reportedly discussed the idea of taking equity stakes in leading AI companies, including OpenAI, as the Trump administration looks for ways to ensure the public benefits from the artificial intelligence boom.
According to NOTUS, senior US officials have held preliminary discussions with major AI firms about the government receiving shares in their companies.
The details aren't set in stone, but the talks have reportedly centered on AI giants voluntarily handing over equity rather than the government simply buying stock on the open market. Returns from those stakes could then be used for public purposes, including a possible dividend for American households.
President Trump appeared to confirm that the idea is being considered while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. He said there are concepts under which "pieces" of AI companies could be given to the American public, creating what he described as a partnership between these firms and US citizens.
Trump also said his team would "look into" the proposal and suggested meetings with AI executives could take place soon.
