The editorial board argues against government ownership stakes in leading AI companies, responding to proposals from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and President Donald Trump. Altman proposed the federal government take small stakes, reportedly suggesting a 5% stake in his company, worth $42.6 billion at the current market price. Sanders proposed a 50% stake in leading companies, placing shares in a state-controlled sovereign wealth fund for profit-sharing and greater control over technology development. Trump also supported the idea, calling it "a beautiful thing." The board contends state ownership is not in the public interest, asserting taxation already allows the government to share in corporate success and regulation provides decision-making power. It warns of downsides, including reduced competitiveness, innovation, and customer welfare due to insulation from market forces, and notes history suggests state investment often makes regulation more difficult. The board also expresses concern about specific dangers under the current administration, citing Trump's willingness to use tools to enrich himself and allies or act against perceived enemies. It cites historical context, noting state-owned companies made up roughly 11% of the British economy and employed 8% of the nation's workers in the mid-1970s, but such investments are now less common because China catalyzed its economic rise by shifting from state ownership to private enterprise.