Sanders and Bannon Demand Halt to AI Development

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and political strategist Steve Bannon keynoted a conference in Washington to demand an immediate halt to artificial intelligence development and the construction of AI data centers. Both figures criticized corporate oligarchs, citing existential risks to the human species and the workforce. This populist alignment follows Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing labor's share of the economy fell to a record low of 52.9% by mid-2026.

Public sentiment reflects deep anxiety, with a CNN poll finding that 75% of Americans view AI with more fear than hope. Approximately 70% of respondents believe the federal government is not doing enough to regulate the technology. While a Rainey Center for Public Policy poll suggests AI is a low priority for the national electorate overall, 65% of voters oppose building data centers in their own communities.

President Donald Trump has dismissed these concerns as a "HOAX," urging the public to ignore calls for new guardrails to maintain a competitive edge over China. Despite this, nearly two-thirds of registered voters indicate that AI and data centers will be an important factor in the upcoming November midterm elections. Some Democratic consultants are reportedly advising candidates to avoid the issue to prevent financial retaliation from pro-AI interest groups.