A June survey from research firm Verasight found that 69% of Americans support requiring artificial intelligence companies to transfer 50% of their stock to a public fund. Support remained at 64% even when respondents were told the proposal was backed by Senator Bernie Sanders, indicating the concept has bipartisan appeal beyond any single political figure.
The findings come as policymakers and industry leaders debate how AI's economic benefits should be distributed. In a 2021 essay titled "Moore's Law for Everything," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman proposed an "American Equity Fund" that would require companies above a certain valuation to contribute shares equal to 2.5% of their market value annually. Every adult American would receive distributions in cash and stock, aiming to prevent wealth concentration among a few firms and investors.
Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr acknowledged AI's potential to reshape the economy in a February speech. He noted that rapid AI adoption could generate substantial productivity gains but also cause significant labor market disruption if automation replaces workers faster than new jobs emerge. Barr suggested policymakers may need to rethink the social safety net to ensure broad sharing of AI's economic gains.
The Verasight survey also showed strong support for federal oversight: 89% favored mandatory public disclosure of internal AI safety testing, and 81% supported government authority to block release of AI systems deemed too risky. These results align with growing interest in policies that spread AI's financial gains beyond the companies developing the technology.
Verasight CEO and co-founder Ben Leff said the findings reflect bipartisan support for ensuring AI's economic benefits are shared more broadly. The survey underscores a public desire for mechanisms that distribute AI wealth, similar to proposals like Altman's American Equity Fund.
For financial advisors, these trends could influence portfolio strategies as clients increasingly consider the societal impact of their investments. The debate over AI wealth distribution may also affect valuations of tech companies and shape regulatory landscapes. As Wall Street banks deploy AI agents for trading and advisor support, understanding public sentiment becomes crucial for client conversations.
Advisors should also note that multigenerational financial support is reshaping portfolio strategies, and AI wealth distribution policies could further alter client expectations. The survey's findings suggest that clients may increasingly ask about how their investments align with broader economic equity.
As the AI industry continues to grow, the debate over its economic benefits is likely to intensify. The Verasight survey provides a snapshot of American public opinion that advisors can use to anticipate client concerns and adjust their guidance accordingly.
