Bernie Sanders Brings Anti-Billionaire Message to Silicon Valley

The Vermont senator warns that AI and robotics could lead to billionaires gaining even more power and control.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., spoke at an event at Stanford University, where he criticized the ultra-wealthy tech billionaires and warned that rapidly advancing AI technology could lead to a scenario where 'human beings could actually lose control over the planet Earth.' Sanders was joined by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Santa Clara, who represents Silicon Valley in Congress. The event capped a brief swing across California in which Sanders blasted the ultra-wealthy and touted his support for a proposed one-time tax on the state's billionaires.

Why it matters

Sanders' message resonates in California, where the wealth gap between the ultra-rich and everyone else has become a major political issue. The proposed billionaire tax has divided many of the state's top Democrats, with Gov. Gavin Newsom opposing the plan. Sanders' visit to the heart of Silicon Valley highlights the growing tensions between the tech elite and those calling for greater economic equality.

The details

During the Stanford event, Sanders said 'the richest people in this country are investing in AI and robotics because those investments will increase their wealth and power exponentially.' He warned that this could lead to a scenario where 'human beings could actually lose control over the planet Earth.' Khanna similarly decried what he called a ruthless class that no longer sees themselves as part of American society but akin to monarchs operating under a 'modern divine right to lead and rule.'

  • On Wednesday, Sanders delivered a similar message to a packed theater in Los Angeles, where he helped formally launch the campaign for a 5% tax on billionaires in California.
  • On Friday, Sanders shared the stage with Khanna at the Stanford event.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator from Vermont and a prominent progressive voice who has long railed against income inequality and the growing power of the ultra-wealthy.

Ro Khanna

A Democratic U.S. Representative who represents California's 17th congressional district, which covers Silicon Valley.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who has denounced the proposed billionaire tax and said he will work to defeat it.

Elon Musk

A billionaire tech entrepreneur with ties to California who has been criticized by Sanders.

Mark Zuckerberg

A billionaire tech entrepreneur with ties to California who has been criticized by Sanders.

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What they’re saying

“The richest people in this country are investing in AI and robotics because those investments will increase their wealth and power exponentially. In other words, the richest and most powerful people on earth will become even richer and more powerful. But what happens to working people, ordinary Americans, during this transition?”

— Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator (San Francisco Chronicle)

“What kind of future are we going to build? Will this future be only for the tech lords, for the tech billionaires, or will it be for all of us?”

— Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

As California Democrats converge in San Francisco this weekend for their state convention, the wealth tax question is a major lightning rod. The proposal has not yet qualified for the November ballot but aims to fill a massive hole that will be left from upcoming cuts to Medicaid under the Republican-led One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The takeaway

Sanders' visit to the heart of Silicon Valley highlights the growing tensions between the tech elite and those calling for greater economic equality. His message resonates in California, where the wealth gap has become a major political issue, and the proposed billionaire tax has divided the state's top Democrats.