OpenAI is in preliminary talks with the U.S. government about potentially granting it a 5% stake in the company. This overture, if accepted by the Trump administration, would give the government a vested interest in decisions concerning the release of advanced AI models. OpenAI views this potential stake as a way to share the benefits of AI with the general public. The company also aims to include other AI labs in similar arrangements, potentially through accounts or investment vehicles for American households. This proposal comes as the White House deliberates on when OpenAI's most powerful models can be widely released. CEO Sam Altman has also proposed an international forum for AI regulatory standards, which could facilitate government investment without direct regulatory control. Some investors perceive the stake offer as a public relations tactic rather than a genuine benefit for the public. The government's stake in Intel, acquired under the CHIPS Act, has seen significant returns, though any deal with AI labs would likely require Congressional approval. It remains unclear what tangible benefits a government stake would provide beyond a closer relationship with regulators. Critics suggest this move is more political than beneficial, potentially harming competition within the AI sector. Alternative proposals for sharing AI's financial gains include taxing AI companies or tokens, or implementing robot taxes. Ultimately, while AI labs develop the technology, citizens and their representatives are tasked with establishing the rules.