US Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who often works with Democratic lawmakers, has announced his plan to introduce legislation that would ban the development of AI superintelligence—artificial intelligence capable of surpassing human intelligence—and propose the creation of a sovereign wealth fund. This fund would give the United States a 50% stake in AI companies, effectively allowing the government to share in their profits and influence. Sanders expressed his concerns about the potential risks of AI evolving beyond human control during an interview with BBC Newsnight.
The proposed legislation would require approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, which are currently controlled by the Republican Party. Additionally, the bill would need to be signed by President Donald Trump to become law. While Sanders is an independent, his policy proposals often align with Democratic priorities, and he frequently collaborates with Democratic lawmakers on key issues.
President Trump has previously expressed support for government investment in AI companies, calling it "creating almost a partnership with the American public." This aligns with his broader agenda of promoting American technological leadership and economic growth. However, the specific proposal by Sanders goes further by suggesting a direct financial stake in AI firms, which would give the government a significant influence over their operations and profits.
Sanders' comments come amid growing global discussions about the ethical and strategic implications of AI advancement. While the idea of a sovereign wealth fund in the AI sector is novel, it reflects concerns about ensuring that the benefits of AI development are shared more broadly and that the risks are managed responsibly. The success of Sanders' proposal will depend on bipartisan support and the political landscape in the coming months.
US Senator Bernie Sanders Proposes AI Superintelligence Ban and Government Stake in AI Companies
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
aibernie-sanderscongresslegislationtrumpai-regulation



