Microsoft C.E.O. Satya Nadella Says ‘Everyone Is a Stakeholder’ in A.I.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed the growing backlash against artificial intelligence during *The New York Times’* *Hard Fork Live* event in San Francisco on June 10, 2026. He admitted that public perception of AI was negative but argued that the technology would ultimately boost wages, emphasizing that 'everyone is a stakeholder' in its development. Nadella also expressed openness to Americans sharing in the wealth generated by AI companies, echoing recent proposals from President Trump and Senator Bernie Sanders, who has framed AI as a 'public resource.' The comments come as AI has become a politically charged issue, with diverse groups—including parent organizations, religious leaders, environmentalists, and former Tea Party activists—opposing its expansion due to concerns over job displacement, national security risks, and mental health impacts. Meanwhile, Microsoft, alongside Google, Amazon, and Meta, has invested billions in building data centers to fuel AI advancements, intensifying competition in the sector. Nadella highlighted Microsoft’s early and significant investments in OpenAI, including a $12 billion infusion after its initial 2019 backing, which positioned the company as a leader in AI following ChatGPT’s 2022 launch. However, he noted recent renegotiations to reduce dependency on OpenAI while maintaining Microsoft’s role as its largest financial backer and major shareholder. The partnership remains critical for Microsoft’s AI strategy, providing access to OpenAI’s intellectual property. During the event, Nadella also touched on challenges facing Xbox, Microsoft’s gaming division, following a recent internal memo outlining a 100-day reset plan. He acknowledged the division’s struggles to monetize entertainment content amid rising costs, signaling broader operational adjustments within Microsoft’s portfolio. The discussion took place amid ongoing legal tensions, including *The New York Times’* lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged copyright infringement of news content in AI training datasets. Both companies have denied the claims, but the case underscores broader debates over AI’s ethical and legal implications.