OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has proposed donating 5% of the company’s equity to a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, according to a report by the Financial Times on Thursday, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The proposal reportedly encourages other AI companies to contribute similar stakes, though many specifics remain unresolved.
As the FT notes, the donation is intended to “secure good relations with the administration and address political blowback.” This aligns with broader discussions in 2026 about the role of AI in national economic strategy and public benefit.
Background and Earlier Reports
Similar discussions were first reported by CNBC in June 2026, and later confirmed by President Trump. He stated that he had discussed “concepts where pieces could be given to the American public, where the American public essentially becomes a partner with the companies.” At that time, no specific equity percentage was disclosed.
Preliminary Talks and Congressional Hurdles
The talks remain preliminary, and according to the FT, any formal action would likely require congressional approval, significantly complicating the process. The need for legislative backing highlights the cautious pace of such ambitious proposals.
Public AI Fund Vision and Policy Papers
The idea of a public AI fund has been publicly championed by Altman, with OpenAI becoming increasingly specific in its proposals. In April 2026, OpenAI released a policy paper titled “Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age,” which proposed a public wealth fund that could invest directly in AI labs and companies deploying the technology.
The document states, “Returns from the Fund could be distributed directly to citizens, allowing more people to participate directly in the upside of AI-driven growth, regardless of their starting wealth or access to capital.” This reflects a growing focus on democratizing AI benefits amid the 2026 AI boom.
Alternative Proposals: Bernie Sanders’ Bill
A more aggressive version of the policy was proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in June 2026. His bill, the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, calls for a one-time 50% tax on AI company stock, with the collected shares deposited into a public wealth fund. The legislation would apply to all “systemically important” AI companies, including those involved in data centers, infrastructure, or robotics.
Under Sanders’ proposal, companies like Google and SpaceX—where AI is only part of the business—would be allowed to spin off non-AI portions to avoid taxation. However, the bill has not yet advanced to committee, reflecting the political challenges of such sweeping measures.
As 2026 unfolds, the debate over AI equity and public benefit continues to evolve, with OpenAI’s proposal marking a significant step in corporate-government collaboration.
via TechCrunch AI