President Trump floated a plan to let citizens share in AI profits. In the Oval Office, he said he would meet with a handful of top AI executives to discuss giving the public a stake in their companies, arguing that such a move would make Americans very rich for the first time in the history of policy.

Trump’s comments echo earlier proposals from Senator Bernie Sanders, who urged a 50‑percent tax on AI firms paid in stock to redistribute wealth. AI leaders like OpenAI’s Sam Altman have floated similar ideas, suggesting government‑run sovereign wealth funds that would deliver dividends to citizens, sparking debate over market power and job displacement in the tech sector.

The administration’s move comes amid a broader scramble to control AI’s economic boom. With OpenAI and Anthropic each nearing a $1 trillion valuation, lawmakers fear unchecked growth could erode white‑collar jobs. Trump’s proposal, if adopted, would redefine how public wealth is generated from private tech giants for the nation and future growth in the technology sector today.

Industry insiders warn that a government stake could blur lines between public policy and corporate governance, raising regulatory concerns. Critics argue that equity in AI firms would create conflicts of interest and dilute shareholder value. Still, the proposal signals a shift toward a model where citizens directly benefit from technological innovation, challenging traditional market norms.