---
title: "Bernie Sanders Proposes Nationalizing AI: 69% of Americans Support the Idea"
description: "Senator Bernie Sanders proposed transferring 50% of the shares of the largest AI companies to a state fund. Polls show that 69% of Americans support this idea, seeing it as a way to direct technology for the benefit of society. 🇺🇸🤖"
date: 2026-07-18T13:57:23.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/bernie-sanders-proposes-nationalizing-ai-69-americans-support
tags: [bernie-sanders, artificial-intelligence, us-politics, regulation]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Bernie Sanders Proposes Nationalizing AI: 69% of Americans Support the Idea

![Bernie Sanders speaking passionately, gesturing with hands — visual for news on his proposal to nationalize AI](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/18/berni-sanders-ai-sovereign-wealth-fund/berni-sanders-ai-sovereign-wealth-fund-1.webp)

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, known for his radical economic views, has introduced a new bill that can be characterized as "AI populism." The Senator's initiative turned out to be more positive towards technology than his skeptical supporters expected and unexpectedly received massive public support.

### The Essence of the Proposal: An AI Sovereign Fund

At the core of the initiative is a bill titled the "American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act." Essentially, this is a streamlined version of nationalization designed to make the American taxpayer a co-owner of the largest tech giants. Sanders describes the mechanism of the bill as follows: through a one-time tax of 50% not on profits, but on stock, society gains a direct ownership stake in leading US AI companies.

The main goal is to direct the development of artificial intelligence exclusively for the public good and ensure benefits for all citizens. At the same time, the Senator emphasizes that even if the stock price drops, society bears no financial risk, as it paid nothing for the shares.

### Poll Results: 69% in Favor of the Initiative

According to a study conducted by Verasight in June, the main provisions of Sanders' plan are hugely popular. More than two-thirds of those surveyed (69%) supported the idea of requiring major AI companies to transfer half of their shares to a sovereign fund owned by society.

The details of the poll are particularly interesting, as it was conducted in two versions: mentioning Bernie Sanders' name and without it. When respondents were informed that the author of the bill was the Senator, overall support dropped slightly—to 64%. However, surprisingly, the share of those who declared "strong" support for the plan actually increased by 3% in this case.

### Control Over Technology

Sanders' proposal goes beyond simply receiving dividends. It provides for partial public control over the activities of the corporations themselves. In his column for The New York Times, the Senator explained the powers the government would acquire:

    - The federal government will receive voting shares in the companies.

    - Equal representation on the boards of directors of each major AI corporation will be ensured.

    - There will be the ability to block decisions that harm citizens.

    - Policies aimed at helping the population will be promoted.

### Chances of Implementation

Despite the high level of approval from the population, the likelihood of the bill being passed remains extremely low. Major AI companies spend millions of dollars lobbying their interests among current politicians, creating a serious barrier to the implementation of Sanders' ideas under current conditions.