Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced legislation aimed at redistributing wealth and influence from major artificial intelligence (AI) corporations to the American public. The proposed law seeks to establish a sovereign wealth fund, financed through a one-time 50% tax on the stock of AI companies with annual AI revenues exceeding $200 million. Sanders estimates this initiative could generate approximately $7 trillion, yielding substantial annual dividends for citizens and funding for public services such as healthcare, education, and housing. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/57b9f20d96490083e2749adba0f13977?utm_source=openai))
The legislation mandates that companies meeting the revenue threshold transfer half of their stock to the sovereign wealth fund, effectively making the American public significant shareholders in these firms. An independent, seven-member commission, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, would oversee the fund. This body would exercise voting rights to influence corporate decisions, ensuring that AI developments align with public interests. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/57b9f20d96490083e2749adba0f13977?utm_source=openai))
Sanders’ proposal has sparked a broader conversation about public ownership in the AI sector. Figures such as President Donald Trump and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have expressed interest in similar concepts, though Sanders’ plan is notably more comprehensive. He emphasizes the necessity of substantial public control to prevent potential adverse effects of AI on ordinary citizens. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/57b9f20d96490083e2749adba0f13977?utm_source=openai))
Critics have raised concerns about the feasibility and implications of the plan. Challenges include defining what constitutes an “AI company,” potential constitutional and legislative hurdles, and the unconventional nature of a sovereign wealth fund structured in this manner. Despite these obstacles, Sanders’ proposal underscores a growing discourse on the equitable distribution of AI’s economic benefits and the importance of public oversight in technological advancements. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/bernie-sanders-ai-openai-anthropic?utm_source=openai))
This legislative initiative reflects Sanders’ longstanding commitment to addressing income inequality and advocating for policies that ensure emerging technologies serve the broader public interest rather than a select few. As AI continues to reshape various sectors, the debate over its governance and the distribution of its benefits is likely to intensify.