US AI policy debate heightens as Fed survey shows rising worker quit plans

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released its latest consumer expectations survey, showing the share of workers who plan to quit voluntarily within the next 12 months jumped to 20.8%, the highest level since February 2023. At the same time, perceived chances of being fired rose to 15.1% and confidence in finding a new job within three months fell to 43.7%, the lowest since December. The Fed said these signs point to a slight deterioration in labor‑market expectations.

Separately, President Donald Trump and independent Senator Bernie Sanders have floated the idea of a sovereign AI fund. Trump said the administration is “studying concepts where public shares could be given to the American public,” and Sanders has suggested a 50% tax on major AI firms, with the proceeds used to buy shares for the state and distribute dividends to households. Critics warn the proposal could create a new “Too Big to Fail” AI sector, obligating taxpayers to bail out large tech companies if they encounter difficulties.

Both developments highlight growing concern in the United States over how rapid AI advances may reshape employment, wages and the broader economy.