More than two-thirds of American workers want half of AI companies’ stock seized for public benefit. A recent survey found 69 percent back forcing AI firms to transfer 50 percent of their shares into a public wealth fund.
This push gained momentum after Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act in June 2026. The legislation targets major U.S. AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI. It imposes a one-time 50 percent tax on their stock to fund a public trust.
Sanders estimates the fund could reach $7 trillion. “It would guarantee that the economic benefits generated by AI are used to improve the lives of all of us — not simply to make the richest people in the world even richer,” he said. Even when Sanders’ name was attached, 64 percent still supported the idea.
“In the eyes of the public, AI Sovereign funds are seen as a tool to distribute the gains from the AI industry back to broader society,” said Benjamin Leff, CEO of Verasight.
Public concern about AI remains high. A July 2026 poll found 28 percent of Americans are very worried about AI’s impact, with another 37 percent somewhat concerned. Only 6 percent are very excited, and 18 percent somewhat excited. One percent could not answer their feelings on AI.
Warnings and Global Moves
Over 200 experts, including 16 Nobel laureates, signed an open letter urging governments and industry to prepare for AI’s economic upheaval. The letter warns AI could transform society more than the Industrial Revolution did.
The United Nations warned AI risks deepening inequality between nations. Wealthier countries will benefit first, widening global gaps. The UN General Assembly called for international AI guidelines. Meanwhile, the EU parliament approved landmark AI regulations this year.
The U.S. government asked Anthropic to block global access to its top AI models. This reflects growing export controls amid fears of technology misuse.
Big Tech’s AI Investments
Meta is ramping up AI infrastructure with a massive data center in Louisiana. Since breaking ground in December 2024, Meta invested over $50 billion to expand its Hyperion facility. The project will reach 5 gigawatts of compute capacity, among the largest AI infrastructure investments worldwide.
The data center expansion created more than 1,000 jobs and generated over $1.6 billion in contracts for local businesses. Meta also pledged over $1 billion to improve local infrastructure and covers full energy and water costs.
Local teachers have received year-end bonuses up to $50,000 this year—400 percent higher than last year’s $10,000 checks. “Meta’s investment has made Richland Parish a destination for education as well as industry,” said Sheldon Jones, superintendent of the Richland Parish school district.
Amazon announced cuts of about 14,000 jobs, citing AI agents taking over roles. This signals the real economic pressure AI exerts on traditional employment sectors.
Americans want a share of the AI boom. They fear widening inequality and want the government to intervene. Meanwhile, AI companies build vast digital fortresses and governments scramble to regulate. The battle over AI’s wealth and power is just beginning.
Based on
- A Majority of Americans Now Support Seizing Wealth From AI Industry — futurism.com
- Americans hate AI so much that politicians are starting to lose their jobs over it | Fortune — fortune.com
- AI concerns surpass excitement among Americans — thehill.com
- Hundreds of experts warn the world must prepare now for AI’s impact | Business and Economy News | Al Jazeera — aljazeera.com
- Meta is doubling down on its Louisiana AI data center | Business Insider Africa — africa.businessinsider.com
