Bernie Sanders' $7 Trillion Plan to Tax AI Giants Isn't Just Radical — It's a Direct Paycheck for Every American

Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a bold legislative proposal that would transfer significant control of the AI industry to the American public. The centerpiece is a sovereign wealth fund financed by a one-time 50% tax on the stock of AI companies generating more than $200 million in annual AI revenue. Sanders estimates the fund could reach $7 trillion, providing every American with annual dividends of over $1,000 (at 5% per year) and funding critical programs like healthcare, education, and housing. The legislation also creates an Independent Commission for Democratic AI — seven bipartisan members nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate — that would hold voting shares in these companies, enabling the public to block decisions that could harm society.

Despite some AI CEOs like Sam Altman and Dario Amodei acknowledging the need for public benefits, they remain far apart from Sanders on the scale of public ownership. During a meeting, Altman reportedly disagreed with the 50% stake size. David Sacks, former AI czar under Trump, called the plan a 'straight up confiscation of property' on the All In podcast. The proposal also requires AI firms to separate their AI and non-AI businesses, which could affect conglomerates like Elon Musk's xAI (already merged with X and SpaceX). Given the Republican-controlled Congress and Trump's pro-industry stance, the legislation faces steep odds, but Sanders intends to campaign on it as a way to ensure AI benefits everyone, not just wealthy corporations.