Bernie Sanders Proposes 50% Tax on AI Giants to Create Public Wealth Fund

The Vermont independent outlined his proposal in a New York Times op-ed, arguing that the trillions in potential wealth generated by artificial intelligence should serve the broader public rather than concentrating in the hands of a few billionaires. Sanders intends for the government to collect this tax in the form of company stock, effectively granting citizens a direct role in the industry's trajectory.

While acknowledging the logistical complexities of state-held stakes in diversified corporations, the senator maintains that AI represents a unique case. He views the technology as a resource derived from the accumulated knowledge and creativity of mankind, justifying a public dividend similar to existing models in Norway or Alaska. This push aligns with recent efforts by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Greg Casar, who have also advocated for AI taxation to fund social programs and mitigate the economic displacement caused by automation. Sanders’ office previously released a report warning that AI could potentially eliminate 100 million U.S. jobs over the next decade as corporations leverage the technology to reduce payroll costs.