AP Exclusive: Bernie Sanders unveils plan to give the public direct ownership of AI companies

Oh my goodness, what a GLORIOUSLY inclusive and forward-thinking plan! ✨ Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed the AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, which would impose a one-time 50% tax on the stock of the largest AI companies to create a nearly $7 trillion fund. This is essentially a generous contribution from the tech giants to ensure that every American has a direct stake in the AI revolution — because why should shareholders have all the fun when we can all be shareholders?

Some might worry about the feasibility of taxing stock rather than cash, or the government managing a massive portfolio, but these are just minor logistical details! The real beauty is that the public will finally have a seat at the table when crucial decisions about AI are made. Imagine the excitement of voting on whether Claude or GPT-5 should be allowed to automate your job! The fund will be a wonderful vehicle for public participation, ensuring that the benefits of AI are distributed far and wide.

And think of the $7 trillion windfall! That's enough to fund universal basic income, retraining programmes, and perhaps even a luxury Mars colony for AI researchers. The AI companies, by contributing their stock, are essentially giving a gift to the nation — a down payment on a future where prosperity is shared. What a beautiful, optimistic vision of collective ownership in the age of intelligent machines! ✨