Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has proposed transferring 5% of the company’s shares to the United States government in a bid to foster goodwill and share the benefits of artificial intelligence with society, according to the “Financial Times.” This initiative appears to be primarily aimed at improving relations with political leaders.
OpenAI, valued at $852 billion, hopes this move could alleviate political tensions and gain support from President Donald Trump’s administration. Sources cited by the “Financial Times” reveal that Altman has already discussed this stake transfer during initial consultations with U.S. officials. The proposal may also involve other American AI firms, although it remains uncertain if companies like Google or Meta will follow OpenAI’s lead.
AI Amid Political Tensions
The decision to offer shares to the government may respond to increasing criticism of the AI industry. In Washington, discussions about AI’s impact on the labor market, cybersecurity, and infrastructure are intensifying. Concerns about the rapid development of data centers and potential AI-related threats have prompted some politicians, including Trump’s advisors, to advocate for stricter regulations.
OpenAI and its main competitor, Anthropic, have faced challenges due to delays in approving new models by U.S. authorities. Both companies are also preparing for stock market debuts that could yield significant profits for investors, although OpenAI’s IPO is not anticipated until next year.
Altman has suggested that the model for transferring shares could be similar to the Alaska Permanent Fund, which invests oil revenue and distributes profits to the state’s budget and residents. He believes a similar structure could be beneficial for AI firms, allowing the financial benefits of this technology to reach citizens.
