US Workers Strongly Back AI Wealth Fund Amid Surging Tech Layoffs

A recent survey in the United States indicates that a significant majority of American workers support the transfer of artificial intelligence (AI) companies' stock into a public sovereign wealth fund. The national poll, conducted by research firm Verasight in June with 1,690 adults, found that 69% of respondents advocate for AI firms to cede 50% of their stock to such a fund. This widespread support reflects growing anxieties over accelerating AI-driven layoffs in the technology sector.

The survey's findings align with public sentiment surrounding Senator Bernie Sanders' “American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act,” introduced in June. Sanders' proposal aims to create a nearly $7 trillion public fund through a one-time 50% tax on the stock of the largest AI companies. This fund would be managed by an independent commission, with a portion of its returns distributed directly to American citizens. The legislation seeks to ensure that the economic benefits generated by AI are shared broadly across society, rather than being concentrated among a wealthy few.

This public backing and legislative push come amidst a troubling rise in tech sector job cuts. According to data from consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, over 140,000 jobs have been eliminated in the U.S. tech sector in 2026, with AI cited as the primary reason for layoffs for the fourth consecutive month. Major companies like Amazon have also contributed significantly to this trend with substantial workforce reductions. Joseph Briggs, a senior global economist at Goldman Sachs, estimates that approximately 15 million workers, representing over 9% of the U.S. labor force, could lose their jobs over a 10-year AI transition period.

The ongoing layoffs, despite massive investments and surging corporate profits in the AI space, are creating deep unease in the labor market. This situation also raises questions about how markets are pricing the economic impacts of AI. For instance, the performance of funds like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), which tracks the S&P 500 index, is being evaluated in light of AI's potential effects on the labor market and evolving expectations due to new regulations. Experts suggest that the debate over AI wealth distribution could shift the regulatory focus from mere safety concerns to broader issues of wealth equity.

The broader economic and political context of these developments highlights that AI is becoming more than just a technological advancement; it's a matter of social contract. The argument that AI models are built upon humanity's collective knowledge, creativity, and labor strengthens the idea that the wealth generated by this technology should also be shared with society. Figures such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have previously put forth similar ideas regarding the public's share in AI gains. Models like Norway's state oil fund or Alaska's permanent fund serve as precedents for the feasibility of such sovereign wealth funds.

However, the AI sovereign wealth fund proposal also faces criticism. Some analysts argue that such a stock transfer could infringe upon corporate property rights and potentially deter investment in the AI sector. Furthermore, concerns about the fund's governance and the equitable distribution of returns have been raised. Despite these challenges, the notion that AI's economic benefits should be widely distributed is gaining bipartisan traction in the U.S. Market expectations suggest that discussions on this topic will intensify in the coming period, addressing AI's future development not only through technological lenses but also through its social and economic dimensions.