Senator Bernie Sanders has unveiled a legislative proposal aimed at transferring significant ownership and influence over the largest artificial intelligence (AI) companies in the United States to the American public through the creation of a sovereign wealth fund. The plan, revealed first to The Associated Press, would impose a one-time 50% tax on the stock of AI companies with at least $200 million in annual AI sales, including any new companies that reach this threshold. Sanders estimates that this measure would generate a nearly $7 trillion fund, which would be managed by a seven-person independent commission nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate [1].
The sovereign wealth fund would make the American public a major shareholder in the country’s largest AI firms, with the commission using its voting shares to block corporate decisions deemed harmful to the public and to advocate for policies that benefit ordinary Americans. Sanders emphasized that the benefits of AI should not be limited to wealthy corporations, stating, "The benefits cannot simply go to the handful of wealthy corporations. They will be shared by the American people" [1].
A 5% annual dividend from the fund is projected to provide direct payments of more than $1,000 to every American, with additional gains allocated to public goods such as education, housing, and health care. Sanders also argued that taxpayers would not bear losses if AI company valuations decline, asserting, "We’re not going to lose any money, even if there is a bust in the bubble" [1].
The proposal has drawn interest from a range of figures, including President Donald Trump and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, though Sanders’ plan goes further by calling for public ownership of half of the largest AI companies and direct influence over their decision-making [1]. This is the first legislative attempt to enact such a sovereign wealth fund in the U.S., according to the bill summary obtained by the AP [1].
CONCLUSION
Bernie Sanders’ proposal represents a significant potential shift in the ownership and governance of major AI companies, with the aim of distributing AI-generated wealth more broadly among Americans. If enacted, the plan could have substantial market implications by altering corporate control and redirecting profits toward public benefit. The proposal is likely to spark debate among policymakers, industry leaders, and investors regarding the future structure of the AI sector.