Trump gets OpenAI to offer US 5% stake, far lower than Sanders’ target

OpenAI is currently in discussions with the Trump administration regarding a proposal for the U.S. government to acquire a 5% stake in the leading AI firm. CEO Sam Altman believes that providing the public with a financial interest in the company is the most effective way to distribute the advantages of artificial intelligence and address growing public apprehension. The Trump administration is exploring similar arrangements with other prominent AI companies, including Google and Meta. These talks are still in early stages, and there is no public confirmation from the other firms yet.

This initiative comes amid increasing public skepticism and concern regarding AI. Recent polls indicate a significant portion of Americans are hesitant about local AI data centers and express more worry than excitement about AI’s rapid advancement. Voters across the political spectrum are also calling for stricter AI regulations, although some, including the Trump administration and AI firms, caution against overregulation that could hinder America’s competitive edge in AI development.

To combat this negative sentiment, OpenAI has suggested the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, similar to Alaska’s Permanent Fund, to provide citizens with a stake in AI-driven economic growth. Their conceptual proposal aims to ensure that the AI-led future benefits society broadly by giving people enduring interests in value-creating systems.

Senator Bernie Sanders, however, has expressed dissatisfaction with OpenAI’s proposed 5% stake, advocating for a much more substantial public share. Sanders’ legislative proposal includes a one-time 50% tax on leading AI firms’ stock, which he estimates could generate $7 trillion for direct payments to Americans or investments in vital public programs. He also proposes an Independent Commission for Democratic AI with voting shares to prevent harmful decisions by AI firms, ensuring public benefit and control.