OpenAI has offered Washington a 5% stake for $42.6 billion: the price of political peace
A deal is brewing in the world of artificial intelligence that could fundamentally shift the balance of power between private capital and the state. According to my information, OpenAI's leadership has considered transferring 5% of the company's shares to the U.S. government. The estimated value of this stake is staggering—nearly $42.6 billion.
A Political Move or a Strategic Necessity?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman raised this issue during preliminary talks with President Donald Trump's team. The logic is simple: a real financial stake for the public, in his view, would help more fairly distribute the benefits of the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Essentially, this is an attempt to buy political peace of mind and legitimacy in the eyes of regulators.
Given OpenAI's latest valuation in March, when the company attracted record investments and raised its worth to $852 billion, 5% of the shares indeed amounts to $42.6 billion. OpenAI is currently preparing for an IPO—documents have already been submitted to the SEC, though the exact timing of the IPO has not yet been determined. This makes the proposal particularly timely: ahead of the share offering, the company is seeking to secure support from Washington.
Interestingly, OpenAI's plan is not limited to itself alone. According to available information, other American AI companies may also transfer similar stakes in their capital. This sets a precedent that could change the rules of the game for the entire sector. So far, neither OpenAI nor the White House has officially commented on the situation.
My analysis: This is a brilliant but risky move. On one hand, transferring shares to the state could alleviate concerns about the monopolization of AI and accelerate regulatory approval. On the other hand, it creates a dangerous precedent where private companies begin to "buy" government loyalty, which could lead to covert control over innovation. The cryptocurrency and decentralized technology market should watch this closely: the centralization of power in the hands of the state through a stake in AI giants is an alarming signal for all who value decentralization.