According to a report by the Financial Times on July 2, citing two informed sources, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has proposed to the Trump administration the idea of giving up 5% of the company's equity. This framework is not limited to a unilateral transfer of shares by OpenAI; rather, it suggests that the White House, through a single government investment vehicle, simultaneously hold 5% equity in each of the major leading U.S. AI developers. Anthropic and Google could be included.
Altman's Proposed Framework: White House to Hold 5% Equity in OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta
According to the Financial Times report, the proposal Altman put forward is not about OpenAI unilaterally giving up shares, but rather a larger framework: the White House, through a single government investment vehicle, would hold 5% equity in each of the major leading U.S. AI developers. In other words, Anthropic, Google, and Meta could all be included in the plan.
Altman had already proposed a similar idea to the Trump administration in 2025. In April of this year, he further advocated for the establishment of a "public wealth fund" to hold the assets of growing AI companies and then distribute the economic benefits to the general public. The Financial Times explicitly noted that since this is only a unilateral proposal, it remains uncertain whether the mentioned companies will agree to participate.
Trump Administration Invests $8.9 Billion in Intel Common Stock for 10% Equity
According to reports, this is not the first time the Trump administration has directly invested in private companies. The U.S. government's record of direct equity investments in private enterprises is as follows:
Intel: In August last year, the U.S. government invested $8.9 billion in Intel common stock in exchange for a 10% equity stake. Trump has publicly stated this year that he should have demanded a larger equity stake at the time.
IBM: The government has also invested in IBM.
Quantum Computing Companies: Several quantum computing companies have received government investments.
Critical Mineral Companies: Several critical mineral companies have received government investments.
Trump has described this type of "national equity stake" as "a beautiful thing" that would allow Americans to become "partners in this AI revolution."
Anthropic Models Suspended Due to Commerce Department Export Control Order, Access Restored on July 1
According to reports, Anthropic's most advanced Mythos and Fable models were temporarily suspended from public access last month due to a U.S. Commerce Department export control order. The Commerce Department lifted the relevant restrictions on June 30, 2026, and Anthropic subsequently restored access to the models on July 1. Amid such regulatory and geopolitical tensions, allowing the government to take an "equity stake" rather than simply accepting "regulation" is seen by some industry players as a way to gain policy flexibility.
NVIDIA Announces New Business Model: Ties to Downstream AI Infrastructure Providers Through Revenue Sharing and Credit Support
According to reports, on July 5, 2026, NVIDIA announced a new business model. Through a mechanism of "revenue sharing and credit support," the company directly binds its interests with small and medium-sized AI infrastructure providers such as Sharon AI and Firmus. NVIDIA provides financial support to downstream customers, ensuring their ability to continue purchasing chips and expanding data centers.
This move, along with OpenAI's proposal for government equity stakes, points to a common trend: capital providers in the AI industry chain (whether governments or chip giants) are increasingly intervening in the financial structures of downstream players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much equity did OpenAI propose to give to the U.S. government, and what is the corresponding amount?
According to the Financial Times report, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman proposed giving the U.S. government a 5% equity stake in the company. Based on OpenAI's recent post-funding valuation of $852 billion, the value of that equity stake is approximately $42.6 billion.
Does this proposal only involve OpenAI, or are other companies also included in the plan?
According to the Financial Times report, the framework proposed by Altman suggests that the White House, through a single government investment vehicle, simultaneously hold 5% equity in other major U.S. AI developers such as Anthropic, Google, and Meta. However, the Financial Times also pointed out that it is not yet clear whether the mentioned companies have agreed to join. As of the report, the proposal remains in the consultation phase.
Are there any precedents for the U.S. government holding equity stakes in private technology companies?
According to reports, in August last year, the U.S. government invested $8.9 billion in Intel common stock in exchange for a 10% equity stake. The government has also invested in IBM, several quantum computing companies, and critical mineral companies.
