OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says giving public a stake is best way to share AI profits, as firm reportedly considers 5% US government stake

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman argued that giving the public an equity stake in the company is the best way to distribute potential AI profits, according to a Financial Times report. The report also says OpenAI discussed offering the Trump administration a 5% stake to remove political obstacles.

This update adds a new element to the OpenAI–US government stake story. According to a Financial Times report cited by Israeli media, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that giving a stake in the company to the public is the best way to share the potential profits of artificial intelligence. The report also says OpenAI has discussed offering the Trump administration a 5% equity stake to remove political obstacles.

As The Zioneer reported earlier today (14:37 Jerusalem), OpenAI was reportedly considering a 5% stake for the US government, a move aimed at neutralizing political obstacles and easing regulatory pressure, based on a report by the Israeli financial daily Calcalist. The new Financial Times report provides additional details, including Altman's public-ownership argument.

The discussions come amid a broader debate over AI governance and the role of government in regulating and benefiting from AI development. The proposed stake would give the US government a direct financial interest in OpenAI's success, potentially reducing regulatory friction. Altman's suggestion of public ownership aligns with proposals from figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, who last month proposed a bill to give the US government a 50% stake in AI companies with dividends to citizens.

The details remain unverified beyond the Financial Times report, and no official confirmation from OpenAI or the US government has been released.

3 developments

1. 3 hours ago · 16:14 · 2 JulLatest

   The proposed stake aims to remove political obstacles for the company.

2. 16:12 · 2 Jul

   Sam Altman says public equity stake is best way to share profits

3. 14:37 · 2 Jul

   OpenAI reportedly considers granting US government a 5% stake

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• Developing14:24 · 21 JunSenator Bernie Sanders proposes bill: US government to take 50% of AI companies, annual dividends for citizens
• Developing15:59 · 11 JunTrump: I would like to reach a deal now
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