- Survey finds 69% of Americans support Bernie Sanders’ policy of requiring AI companies to transfer 50% of their shares to a public fund.
- Respondents also overwhelmingly support the federal government having the power to block new AI services deemed “risky.”
- Support appears to wane when Sanders’ name is mentioned
AI is developing an image problem, and respondents to a new survey have made their feelings clear: Bernie Sanders’ demand that AI companies contribute stock to a massive public fund has broad support.
Conducted in June 2026 by nonpartisan research firm Verasight, the survey included 17 questions sent to 1,690 adults (18 and older), revealing that more than two-thirds (69%) support Sanders’ policies – a figure that only drops to 64% once it is revealed which politician the idea is associated with.
The bad news for the AI industry doesn’t end there, as respondents showed notable distrust in how AI companies behave, with almost half (43%) believing that regulations proposed by AI companies are designed to benefit those same companies. Incredibly, 30% of respondents trust the US federal government more than companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.
How does AI wealth distribution work?
Senator Bernie Sanders’ plan gives the public a direct stake in America’s largest AI companies, with a one-time tax paid not in cash, but in stock. “Since AI relies on the collective knowledge of humanity, the wealth it generates must benefit humanity,” he said while announcing his bill on social media.
Under Sanders’ proposal, this would provide an annual $1,000 check to American citizens and fund health care and education.
“Our latest survey results demonstrate a rare case of bipartisan agreement,” noted Ben Leff, CEO and co-founder of Verasight.
“There is an undeniable desire among Americans in both parties for federal oversight, absolute transparency, and accountability to keep AI safe and enable all Americans to participate in the economic benefits of AI.”
Even with a polarizing figure like Bernie Sanders, the wealth fund idea remains supported, suggesting that while people are happy to use AI to answer questions, streamline processes, and speed up tasks, they are less comfortable with the industry’s broader impact.
Poor public perception
Even though AI companies are becoming increasingly unpopular, it’s not all bad news. The survey asked subjects about their feelings about other industries, including tobacco, pharmaceuticals and casinos, as well as social media. If the tide turns against AI, it is still not as poorly regarded as casinos or tobacco.
Sentiments towards AI companies are also significantly more positive than on social media. Given concerns about federal oversight and public funds, OpenAI, Google Gemini, Anthropic, Microsoft, and others may have one opportunity to improve general sentiment toward AI: accepting some degree of social responsibility.
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