Trump administration eyes 5% OpenAI stake; Sanders pushes 50% tax
OpenAI's 5% stake offer to US government far below Bernie Sanders' 50% tax proposal.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly in active talks with the Trump administration about the US acquiring a 5 percent stake in the leading AI firm. According to insiders, Altman argues that giving the public a financial stake is the best way to share AI's benefits. The administration has also approached Google and Meta about similar stakes, though neither has commented. OpenAI's proposal includes creating a sovereign wealth fund—modeled after Alaska's—to distribute dividends to all citizens. The talks involve Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Senator Bernie Sanders has made it clear the 5% figure is insufficient. His alternative plan requires leading AI firms to pay a one-time 50% tax on their stock, which he estimates would yield about $7 trillion. Sanders proposes an Independent Commission for Democratic AI to oversee firms' decisions and protect public interests. This comes amid an "AI hate wave": polls show 70% of Americans don't want AI data centers nearby, and half are more concerned than excited. The outcome could shape AI regulation, public trust, and the political landscape for years.
- OpenAI proposes US acquire 5% stake via sovereign wealth fund; Sanders demands 50% tax yielding $7 trillion.
- Talks involve Trump officials (Bessent, Lutnick) and have also approached Google and Meta.
- Public sentiment is highly negative: 70% oppose local AI data centers; half are more concerned than excited.
Why It Matters
This debate will define how AI profits are shared and whether public trust in AI can be restored.