Sen. Bernie Sanders says he plans to introduce legislation that would create an “AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act,” with the aim of giving the American public a 50% ownership stake in large U.S. AI companies. According to multiple reports, Sanders would propose a one-time 50% transfer of stock from major AI firms into a government-managed fund. The proposal is described as issuing voting shares to the public through the fund and, eventually, distributing dividends to Americans.
Supporters and commentators frame the plan as a way to shift control from private tech owners to the public, arguing that AI development relied on data and resources not adequately shared with the broader population. Other outlets criticize the approach, raising legal and governance concerns. One critique argues the transfer could implicate constitutional limits on government “takings,” while additional commentary characterizes the plan as potentially expanding government control over a major industry.
In this accounts, Sanders has not yet provided full legislative details, but he says the bill is expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.
