Trump Proposes U.S. Ownership Stake in AI Companies

<p>President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. government could take a small ownership stake in artificial intelligence companies, allowing the American public to benefit from their financial success. This proposal was made during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One on June 5, 2026.</p><ul><li>Trump stated, "There's something very interesting about it, where it almost becomes a partnership with the American public. It's like you make them [partners] in this revolution. It would be a beautiful thing. ... It would make 'em rich."</li></ul><p><strong>Context: </strong>OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously discussed this idea with the Trump administration. Senator Bernie Sanders also recently proposed a similar concept, suggesting a one-time 50% tax paid in stock to give the public a direct ownership stake in leading AI companies.</p><hr /><ul><li>Industry advocates have suggested smaller stakes, ranging from 1-5%, for an AI public wealth fund.</li></ul><p><strong>Public Perception: </strong>AI technology is generally viewed unfavorably in the U.S. Some industry leaders, including Trump, believe that public participation in AI's financial success could improve its image.</p><p>As stock offerings from companies like Anthropic, SpaceX, and OpenAI are anticipated, Trump remarked on the potential wealth creation, stating, "so much money, and it's so big, that there are concepts where pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public essentially becomes a partner ... with the companies."</p><ul><li>Trump added, "We'll look into that. We're talking about it, where the American people can benefit from the success of AI. And by doing that, they're gonna like it better ... We're leading China. We're leading everybody in the world with AI, and we want to keep it that way."</li></ul><p><strong>Background: </strong>Altman has advocated for this concept in discussions with administration officials and in a proposal for an "AI New Deal." The idea of a "Public Wealth Fund" was included in OpenAI's report titled "Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age," released in April.</p><ul><li>When questioned about his support for a proposal from Sanders, Trump highlighted common ground in their economic views, stating, "As far as economics is concerned, we have certain things that aren't that far apart. People are surprised."</li></ul>