Exclusive / Trump advisers weigh structure of AI stakes
President Donald Trump is considering ways for the public to gain ownership stakes in leading AI companies. Vice President JD Vance described the goal as a sovereign wealth fund approach to distribute sector profits. Officials are reviewing various structures while some industry leaders express skepticism.
What changed
The administration is now weighing specific mechanisms including targeted taxes, direct payments, and a potential 50% government ownership requirement.
Live updates
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Trump administration explores public equity in AI firms
confidence 90%President Donald Trump is considering ways for the public to gain ownership stakes in leading AI companies. Vice President JD Vance described the goal as a sovereign wealth fund approach to distribute sector profits. Officials are reviewing various structures while some industry leaders express skepticism.
What's confirmed:
- President Donald Trump is exploring options to give the public a stake in leading AI companies.
- Vice President JD Vance stated Trump views this approach as a type of sovereign wealth fund.
- Elon Musk expressed skepticism regarding government ownership stakes, suggesting direct cash payments instead.
Still unconfirmed:
- One proposal would require large AI firms to give the government a 50% ownership stake.
- The administration is exploring direct equity stakes in OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI.
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Trump Administration Explores Sovereign Wealth Fund for AI Equity
confidence 80%The Trump administration is considering a US sovereign wealth fund to acquire ownership stakes in major AI firms. This plan aims to provide Americans with a financial interest in AI growth. These discussions occur as the White House appoints new AI leadership and increases pressure on developers regarding military use.
What's confirmed:
- JD Vance stated Trump supports the US government taking ownership stakes in AI companies.
- President Trump signed two executive orders to accelerate quantum computing development and address related security threats.
Still unconfirmed:
- The administration is considering a sovereign wealth fund to give Americans a financial stake in AI companies.
- Sriram Krishnan was appointed Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
- Elon Musk and others have proposed direct cash payments as an alternative to government equity stakes.
- Pentagon officials met with Anthropic's CEO on Tuesday to discuss the use of its technology on classified systems.
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Trump administration considers government equity in AI firms
confidence 100%President Trump has publicly considered the government taking equity stakes in major artificial intelligence companies. This move coincides with a shift in his approach to industry regulation. He also signed an executive order to gain early access to advanced models to protect critical infrastructure and assess cybersecurity risks.
What's confirmed:
- President Trump signed an executive order seeking early government access to advanced AI models to protect critical infrastructure and weigh cybersecurity risks.
- Trump advisers and the president have weighed the government taking equity stakes in major AI companies.
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Trump advisers discuss government equity in AI firms
confidence 90%Senior Trump administration officials are evaluating how the government could take equity stakes in major AI companies. These discussions occurred prior to the implementation of export controls on Anthropic.
What's confirmed:
- Trump administration officials are discussing methods for the government to acquire equity stakes in major AI companies.
Still unconfirmed:
- Senior officials weighed the structure of potential AI stakes before export controls were placed on Anthropic.
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Trump Administration Debates U.S. Government Equity in AI Firms
confidence 70%Officials in the Trump administration are discussing ways for the government to acquire equity stakes in major AI companies. This proposal has shifted from a theoretical idea to an active debate in Washington. These talks took place before recent disputes regarding export restrictions on Anthropic.
Still unconfirmed:
- Government equity stakes in AI companies could have seismic consequences.
- Trump administration officials have discussed how the U.S. government might acquire equity stakes in major artificial intelligence companies.
- Discussions regarding AI stakes occurred before the controversy over export restrictions on Anthropic.
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Trump Advisers and Bernie Sanders Propose AI Ownership Plans
confidence 90%Trump administration advisers are considering government equity stakes in major AI firms. Separately, Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed a plan to grant the American public direct ownership in the largest AI companies. These developments coincide with government tensions involving Anthropic.
What's confirmed:
- Senator Bernie Sanders is proposing a plan to give Americans ownership stakes in the largest artificial intelligence companies.
- Two Cabinet members explored direct government equity stakes in major AI companies.
Still unconfirmed:
- Two Cabinet members preferred different ideas regarding AI stakes ahead of a government clash with Anthropic.
- Discussions on government equity stakes preceded White House export controls on Anthropic.