Senator Bernie Sanders recently visited Stanford University to share a strong message about the future of technology and money. He was joined by Representative Ro Khanna to talk about how artificial intelligence (AI) and the massive wealth of tech billionaires are changing the United States. The event was held in the heart of Silicon Valley, where many of the world’s largest tech companies are located. More than 1,000 people attended the town hall to hear about the potential risks of the current tech boom.
A Turning Point for the Economy
Sanders described the rise of AI as a major event in human history. He called it a “profound technological revolution” that will likely change every part of the economy and society. While AI can do many amazing things, Sanders expressed concern about who will actually own this technology and who will make money from it.
The senator warned that if the government does not set strict rules, the benefits of AI will only go to a small group of people. He argued that the wealthiest individuals in the world are already preparing to use AI to gain even more power. During the event, Sanders asked, “The question that we should be asking day after day… is who is pushing this revolution, who benefits from it, and who gets hurt?”
Skepticism Toward Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is known as the global center for innovation. However, Sanders questioned whether the leaders of these big tech companies are acting in the best interest of the public. He mentioned that some people believe these industry leaders will manage AI in a responsible way, but he does not share that belief.
Speaking about the powerful figures in the tech world, Sanders told the crowd, “Some people may think that is the case — I know those guys, I don’t believe them.” This statement shows a growing divide between politicians who want more regulation and the companies that want to grow without many limits. The senator believes that without pressure from the public and the government, these companies will focus on profits instead of people.
The Idea of Democratic AI
Representative Ro Khanna, who represents many people living in Silicon Valley, also spoke at the event. He agreed with Sanders that too much power is concentrated in the hands of a few billionaires. Khanna warned that the country is entering a “new gilded age,” which is a term used to describe a time when there is a very large gap between the rich and the poor.
To fix this, Khanna suggested a new approach called “Democratic AI.” This idea focuses on making sure that technology helps workers instead of just replacing them. He argued that if AI makes a company more productive, the workers should get a share of those gains. This could mean higher pay or more free time for employees. Khanna wants to ensure that humans stay at the center of all major decisions as AI becomes more common in workplaces.
The Debate Over a Wealth Tax
One of the most talked-about topics during the visit was the proposal for a wealth tax in California. This plan would target people who have more than $1 billion in wealth. Supporters of the tax say that the money could be used to pay for important services like schools, healthcare, and better roads.
However, not everyone agrees with this plan. Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have raised concerns about the economic impact. They worry that if the state taxes the very wealthy too much, those people might move to other states. If they leave, California could actually lose tax money in the long run. Sanders, on the other hand, believes the tax is necessary to fix extreme inequality. He argues that it is unfair for a few people to have so much while many others struggle to pay for basic needs.
How AI Might Affect Jobs
A major concern for many workers is whether AI will take their jobs. Sanders warned that automation and robotics could replace millions of workers in many different industries. He believes that AI could allow companies to make more money while employing fewer people.
Sanders described the situation as a “tsunami” that is coming toward the American people. He warned that “The Congress and the American people are very unprepared for the tsunami that is coming.” He wants the government to be proactive by creating policies that protect workers before they lose their jobs. This includes strengthening worker protections and looking closely at how AI is being used in different sectors.
Responses from the Tech Industry
Not everyone in Silicon Valley agrees with the warnings from Sanders and Khanna. Many leaders in the technology sector believe that too much regulation will slow down innovation. They argue that if the government creates too many rules, the United States might fall behind other countries in the race to develop new technology.
Business groups also warn that high taxes could hurt California’s reputation as a place where new ideas can grow. They believe that the best way to help the economy is to allow companies to compete and create new products without heavy government interference. This creates a difficult choice for policymakers: how to encourage innovation while also making sure the economy is fair for everyone.
Why This Matters for the Future
The visit to Stanford showed that the debate over technology and wealth is becoming a major political issue. As the 2026 election cycle gets closer, more people will likely be talking about these topics. California is at the center of this debate because it is home to both the most advanced tech firms and some of the largest wealth gaps in the country.
The decisions made in the next few years about AI and taxes will shape the economy for decades. If the government sets the right rules, AI could lead to a better life for many people. If not, the gap between the rich and the poor could get even wider. For now, the town hall at Stanford has made it clear that the fight over tech wealth and the future of work is just beginning.
