WASHINGTON, D.C. December 29, 2025 – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) reignited debate over artificial intelligence’s societal impact with a viral social media post highlighting his recent CNN interview, where he warned of massive job displacement driven by tech billionaires.
In a video clip shared on X (formerly Twitter) that has garnered thousands of views, Sanders appears on CNN’s State of the Union, discussing AI’s potential to eliminate jobs on an unprecedented scale. The post, captioned with direct quotes from Elon Musk and Bill Gates, poses a pointed question: “Without jobs and income, how will people feed their families, get health care, or pay the rent?”
The clip stems from Sanders’ December 28, 2025, interview with host Jake Tapper, during which the Vermont independent described AI as “the most consequential technology in the history of humanity.” He criticized the rapid development of AI, largely funded by “the richest people in the world,” including Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Peter Thiel, who are investing hundreds of billions into the technology.
Sanders highlighted statements from tech leaders themselves to underscore his concerns:
– Elon Musk has predicted that “AI and robots will replace all jobs,” making work “optional.”
– Bill Gates has suggested that “humans won’t be needed for most things.”
“If there are no jobs… how do people get an income?” Sanders asked in the interview, arguing that widespread automation could lead to economic devastation for working families without adequate safeguards.
The senator called for greater congressional oversight, including a potential moratorium on new AI data centers to slow development until its impacts—on employment, mental health, and human interaction—are fully studied. He expressed fears that AI could exacerbate isolation, citing trends of people turning to chatbots for emotional support instead of human connections.
Sanders’ remarks come amid growing bipartisan concerns about AI, though he accused the incoming Trump administration of being influenced by Big Tech donations, including over $270 million from Musk to support Trump’s campaign.
The post has sparked polarized reactions online, with supporters praising Sanders for advocating workers’ interests and critics dismissing his warnings as overly alarmist.
As AI investment surges, Sanders’ call for regulation echoes earlier statements where he labeled unchecked AI a threat to democracy, privacy, and global stability. Congress has yet to pass comprehensive AI legislation, leaving the debate wide open heading into the new year.
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