Sanders Warns AI Could Displace Millions of Jobs

Senator calls for AI regulation and oversight to protect workers from automation

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:14am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sen. Bernie Sanders has warned that artificial intelligence could displace millions of American workers if left unchecked, criticizing wealthy tech executives for advancing the technology without public accountability. Sanders has repeatedly criticized major tech companies for prioritizing profit over workers as AI and robotics investments surge, and has introduced legislation to pause new AI data center projects until Congress enacts AI regulations.

Why it matters

As AI and automation technologies rapidly advance, there are growing concerns about the potential for widespread job displacement. Sanders' warnings highlight the need for policymakers to carefully consider the societal impacts of AI and ensure that the development and deployment of these technologies benefits ordinary people, not just the wealthy tech elite.

The details

In a post on X, Sanders shared a Wall Street Journal article warning that 'AI Is a Threat to Everything the American People Hold Dear.' He wrote that 70% of people think AI will lead to fewer jobs, and that 'we can't allow a handful of billionaires, eager to increase their wealth and power, to rush forward with a technology that will fundamentally transform humanity without democratic input or accountability.' Sanders has also criticized Hyundai Motor Group's plan to deploy Boston Dynamics' Atlas robots in 2028, and has introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to pause new AI data center projects until Congress enacts regulations.

  • In April 2026, Sanders posted his warnings about AI on X.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator from Vermont who has been a prominent critic of the tech industry and the potential negative impacts of AI and automation on jobs.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A U.S. Representative from New York who co-introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act with Sanders.

Hyundai Motor Group

A major automotive manufacturer that plans to deploy Boston Dynamics' Atlas robots in 2028, which Sanders has criticized.

Boston Dynamics

A robotics company whose Atlas robots are being deployed by Hyundai, drawing criticism from Sanders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“70% think AI will lead to fewer jobs. They are right.”

— Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator

“We can't allow a handful of billionaires, eager to increase their wealth and power, to rush forward with a technology that will fundamentally transform humanity without democratic input or accountability.”

— Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act to pause new AI data center projects until Congress enacts regulations. The legislation includes provisions for AI certification, job protections, environmental safeguards, mandatory union labor, and a chip export ban.

The takeaway

Sanders' warnings about the potential for AI to displace millions of jobs highlight the need for policymakers to carefully consider the societal impacts of emerging technologies and ensure that their development and deployment benefits the broader public, not just the wealthy tech elite. The introduction of the AI Data Center Moratorium Act is a step towards establishing a regulatory framework to govern the responsible use of AI.