A new poll shows a sharp rise in public support for a proposal that would require major artificial intelligence firms to hand over half of their equity to a public sovereign wealth fund, a concept that has moved from fringe theory to mainstream discussion.
Survey finds 69% of Americans back forced equity transfer
The Verasight poll, which surveyed 1,690 adults, recorded 69 % of respondents favoring the idea of “forcing” AI companies to transfer 50 % of their stock into a public fund. The findings were reported by a financial outlet and align with a legislative effort championed by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Sanders’ American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act aims to create a $7 trillion public trust by mandating a 50 % public ownership stake in the nation’s largest AI firms. The bill’s language frames the move as a way to ensure that the financial gains from automation benefit a broader segment of society rather than concentrating wealth among a handful of tech executives.
Economic pressures fuel growing appetite for redistribution
The poll’s timing coincides with a wave of layoffs across the tech sector. Data from industry trackers indicate that more than 166,000 workers have been let go in 2026, and some analytics firms project the total could reach 312,000 by year‑end.
Goldman Sachs senior global economist Joseph Briggs estimates that up to 15 million workers—about 9 % of the current U.S. labor force—could lose their jobs over a ten‑year period as AI adoption accelerates. While some analysts suggest new industries may eventually absorb displaced workers, the immediate impact on livelihoods appears to be driving public calls for stronger safeguards.
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Beyond employment concerns, the expanding network of data centers required for AI workloads is straining the power grid. Higher electricity bills have prompted bipartisan proposals such as the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would oblige tech firms to contribute to upgrades in energy infrastructure.
For many families, a public fund offers a safety net.
Critics warn that a forced equity split could have unintended consequences. They argue that removing half of a company’s private ownership might deter venture capital investment, slow research initiatives, and encourage firms to relocate to jurisdictions with fewer regulatory constraints. Some also point to the poll’s wording as a possible factor inflating support, noting that public opinion often shifts when abstract concepts become tied to concrete policy trade‑offs.
Nevertheless, the conversation around AI’s role in the economy has evolved rapidly. Voters are no longer debating whether artificial intelligence will alter the workforce; they are now focusing on who should reap the financial rewards of that transformation.
