OpenAI CEO Meets Senator on Public AI Ownership Proposal

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders in the senator's office this week to discuss public ownership in AI companies. The meeting took place after Sanders proposed that the public take a 50% ownership stake in companies such as OpenAI, with proceeds directed to a public wealth fund. Altman said he supported the general concept but could not back the 50% threshold.

Trump told reporters on Air Force One that the administration is exploring a partnership allowing the American public to benefit from AI success. He said executives from leading AI companies are scheduled to visit the White House next week. Trump noted similarities between his coalition and Sanders' on the issue.

The administration previously secured a 10% stake in Intel and considered a government role in Spirit Airlines.

Altman also visited Michigan on Monday to appear with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at the site of a planned 1.65 million-square-foot data center. Whitmer's office said the project would create more than 2,500 union construction jobs. Some local activists and Democratic lawmakers criticized the appearance. Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin said the issue is generating grassroots opposition.

Congress released a bipartisan framework this week that would create the first broad federal approach to AI regulation while temporarily preempting many state laws. The Trump administration signed an executive order establishing a review process for national security risks from advanced AI systems.

Sanders' spokesperson Jeremy Slevin said Altman did not commit to the 50% ownership figure or to limits on AI industry election spending. Sanders said the administration's regulatory steps show growing recognition of AI concerns.