US Senators push AI wealth fund to share tech profits with citizens

Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are leading proposals to channel the rapid wealth generated by artificial‑intelligence firms into public benefit. Sanders has introduced a bill that would levy a one‑time 50 percent tax on the stock of leading AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, with the proceeds placed in a sovereign wealth fund that would give ordinary Americans a direct ownership stake and board representation. Warren is pursuing changes to the tax code that would divert a portion of AI industry profits toward broader societal programs.

OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman has sought a meeting with Senator Sanders to discuss the proposal, signalling growing engagement from AI firms on the issue. The idea of a publicly owned AI wealth fund has also found support from Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI, which see it as a way to mitigate potential job losses from automation. Advocates argue that AI‑driven economic growth should be shared widely rather than concentrated at the top, while critics question the political motives and practical implementation of such measures.