Sam Altman proposes transferring OpenAI stake to US government

Israeli media report that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has offered to transfer a percentage of the company to the US government. The report follows a Financial Times story that the company discussed a 5% stake with the Trump administration as a way to remove political obstacles.

Israeli media outlets, including Ynet, reported Thursday evening (20:13 Jerusalem) that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has offered to transfer a percentage of the company's equity to the US government. The specific stake and timing were not detailed in the report. The offer follows a series of earlier reports on the same topic.

At 14:36 Jerusalem, the Israeli financial daily Calcalist first reported that OpenAI was considering granting the US government a 5% stake to neutralize political obstacles. By 16:14 Jerusalem, the Financial Times confirmed the discussions, adding that Altman had argued that giving the public an equity stake is the best way to share potential AI profits. The FT report, citing a senior source, said the 5% offer was part of a broader strategy to align with the Trump administration's AI policy. The corroboration thus evolved from a single Israeli source to a widely cited international report.

As The Zioneer reported on June 21, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has proposed a bill requiring a 50% government stake in AI companies, with annual dividends to citizens. Additionally, on June 27, The Zioneer reported that the Trump administration asked OpenAI to stage the rollout of its GPT-5.6 model over security concerns.

What remains unclear: whether Altman's offer matches the 5% figure discussed in the FT report, and whether the Trump administration has responded.

4 developments

1. 2 hours ago · 20:13 · 2 JulLatest

   Israeli media outlets are now reporting on the proposed 5% stake transfer.

2. 16:14 · 2 Jul

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

3. 16:12 · 2 Jul

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

• Developing5 days ago · 18:29 · 27 JunTrump administration asks OpenAI to stage GPT-5.6 rollout over security concerns, report says
• 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
• Developing21:52 · 15 JunIsraeli media personalities weigh in on US-Iran deal, offering sharply different takes

Source and signal

• Internal intake