Would this require government approval?

Yes. According to the Financial Times reporting, it is likely that any formal action would require congressional approval, which would significantly complicate the matter.

Has this idea been discussed before?

Similar discussions were reported by CNBC in June and subsequently confirmed by President Trump, who described the concept of giving pieces of companies to the American public. OpenAI also published a detailed policy proposal in April titled "Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age" outlining how such a fund could be structured.

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OpenAI CEO proposes donating 5% equity to US sovereign wealth fund

TechCrunch AI2d ago4 min read

Key takeaway

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has proposed donating 5% of the company's equity to a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, with other AI companies making similar contributions to secure political support. The idea builds on earlier discussions with President Trump and aligns with OpenAI's published policy proposal for a public wealth fund that would invest in AI and distribute returns to citizens, though any such arrangement would likely need congressional approval.

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3 Key Points

What happened
Sam Altman has proposed that OpenAI give 5% of its equity to a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, with other AI companies making similar donations. The proposal aims to secure relations with the administration and address political blowback, though significant questions remain about specifics.
Why it matters
Similar discussions were confirmed by President Trump in June, who described a concept where the public becomes a partner with AI companies. Any formal action would likely require congressional approval, which could significantly complicate implementation. The talks remain preliminary at this stage.
What to watch
OpenAI released a policy paper in April titled "Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age" proposing a public wealth fund that could invest in AI labs and distribute returns directly to citizens. Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a more aggressive alternative in June—the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act—calling for a one-time 50% tax on AI company stock, though that bill has yet to advance to committee.

FAQ

Would this require government approval?: Yes. According to the Financial Times reporting, it is likely that any formal action would require congressional approval, which would significantly complicate the matter.
Has this idea been discussed before?: Similar discussions were reported by CNBC in June and subsequently confirmed by President Trump, who described the concept of giving pieces of companies to the American public. OpenAI also published a detailed policy proposal in April titled "Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age" outlining how such a fund could be structured.

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