US Government Explores Public Ownership Stake in AI Companies

President Donald Trump and Senate candidate Bernie Sanders have both voiced support for giving the American public a share in the booming artificial‑intelligence sector. In a meeting arranged by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Sanders proposed a 50% public ownership stake in firms such as OpenAI, with profits directed to a public‑wealth fund. Altman said he liked the idea in principle but could not endorse the 50% threshold.

Trump echoed the partnership theme on Air Force One, saying, "It's like you make them partners in this revolution. It would be a beautiful thing." The administration has already taken a 10% stake in Intel and previously considered a bailout of Spirit Airlines that would have handed the government a 90% share. The debate occurs alongside European moves to curb reliance on foreign AI providers, including a €500 million UK Sovereign AI Fund and a European Commission plan to limit U.S. tech firms from sensitive contracts.

Policymakers are weighing how to balance private innovation with public benefit, reviving historic arguments about ownership of critical infrastructure.