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Universal Basic Capital: Why Both Trump And Bernie Sanders Want To Give Americans AI Equity

Sanders says he plans to introduce an AI-company tax to finance a public wealth fund.

Universal Basic Capital: Why Both Trump And Bernie Sanders Want To Give Americans AI Equity
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Outlet credibilityForbes77/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
Forbes
Jun 6, 2026
tl;dr

The Trump administration is reportedly discussing possible equity stakes in AI companies, while Sen. Bernie Sanders says he plans a bill taxing AI companies to fund a public wealth fund. The proposals reflect growing bipartisan interest in giving Americans a share of AI-driven wealth, but their design and prospects remain uncertain.

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Bernie Sanders I · VT · SEN
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Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator proposing an AI-company tax to fund a public wealth fund

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Representative associated with universal basic income legislation and skeptical comments about billionaires' support

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President; his administration is reported to be discussing possible equity arrangements with AI companies

Ilhan Omar
D · MN-5

Representative associated with legislation supporting universal basic income

Representative who expressed skepticism about technology leaders' willingness to pay taxes for such proposals

Ted Cruz
R · TX · SEN

Senator who supported the Trump Funds for children's investment accounts

ALSO MENTIONED  Gavin Newsom, California governor who directed the state to study universal basic capital; Steve Bannon, Former Trump adviser who advocated a large tax on AI-company equity; Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate who has supported government-backed investment funds

Part of a bigger story

3 OUTLETS
Trump Says Government Is Considering Stakes in AI Companies

Outlets agree that the Trump administration is considering public equity stakes in AI companies and that Sen. Bernie Sanders has proposed a public stake or related tax plan. Center outlets connect the proposals as ways for the public to share in AI-driven wealth, while noting differences in scale, design and potential risks such as government influence and competition.

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