Bernie Sanders Wants 50% of AI Firms’ Stock for Americans | Trump And AI Lobby Shocked With New Bill

US Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed a new bill requiring major AI companies to allocate 50% of their stock to a public sovereign wealth fund. The American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act argues that AI’s development relies on collective human knowledge, and its profits should benefit the public rather than private shareholders. Sanders frames the measure as a step toward economic justice, asserting that AI-driven wealth should not be concentrated in the hands of a few billionaires. Critics, including former President Donald Trump and AI industry lobbyists, have condemned the proposal as excessive government intervention. They argue it could stifle innovation and discourage investment in the AI sector, which they claim is already under regulatory pressure. The debate highlights growing tensions over how to balance AI’s economic benefits with broader societal equity. The proposal was unveiled on June 2, 2026, and immediately drew sharp reactions. Supporters describe it as a necessary correction to the wealth disparity fueled by AI advancements, while opponents warn it could lead to capital flight and reduced competitiveness in the US tech industry. Sanders’s plan targets companies that dominate AI development, though specific firms were not named in the initial announcement. The AI industry lobby has framed the proposal as a threat to the sector’s growth, arguing that forced stock transfers would undermine private sector incentives. Meanwhile, Trump and other critics have labeled the idea socialist, suggesting it could deter foreign and domestic investment. The bill’s fate remains uncertain as lawmakers weigh its potential economic and political implications. Sanders’s proposal comes amid broader discussions about regulating AI’s economic impact, including debates over taxation, labor displacement, and corporate accountability. The controversy underscores the challenges of aligning technological progress with equitable wealth distribution in an era of rapid AI advancement.