Trump proposes government equity stakes in AI firms to boost American wealth

President Donald J. Trump announced at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, on May 22, 2026, that the federal government will acquire equity stakes in leading artificial‑intelligence companies. He said the plan, presented alongside the signing of the Secure America Act, would make Americans “very rich.” Trump said a meeting with the “top 12 or 15 executives” of these AI firms will be held “very shortly,” although reports indicated the executives have not yet received invitations.

Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a related proposal that would impose a one‑time 50% stock tax on major AI companies. Senate Republicans, including Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, expressed skepticism, warning that government ownership could combine bureaucracy with Big‑Tech monopolies.