Amid growing concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the economy and job market, discussions are underway about creating a U.S. sovereign wealth fund to manage AI stock for public benefit. Such a move could potentially allow the government to harness AI’s value while mitigating its risks.
In a survey conducted in June 2026, approximately 70% of Americans supported the idea of AI companies transferring half of their stock to a sovereign wealth fund. This idea gained traction after Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced legislation aimed at leveraging AI for the public good while ensuring governmental oversight over its potential threats.
The call for action is echoed by about 200 economists and computer scientists, including 16 Nobel laureates, who warned of AI’s disruptive potential. They emphasized the need for AI to “complement humans and benefit society,” highlighting both the risks and opportunities AI presents, such as job displacement and improved living standards. Read more about their concerns here.
Public apprehension about AI is growing, with fears extending beyond job market effects to its broader economic impact. This sentiment aligns with various studies exploring AI’s implications on economic structures (source).
Sovereign Wealth Fund Initiatives
Having studied sovereign wealth funds for two decades, they are typically government entities with clear investment goals. Many countries, such as Canada, the U.K., South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, have already begun implementing AI-focused sovereign wealth funds. Although appealing, establishing such a fund in the U.S. would involve complex decisions and processes.
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U.S. Examples of Sovereign Wealth-like Funds
In the U.S., states like New Mexico and Wyoming have long operated sovereign wealth-like funds to manage surplus revenues. Alaska’s Permanent Fund, valued at $91 billion, is a notable example. Since 1982, it has distributed annual dividends to residents, which can vary significantly, such as the more than $3,200 payout in 2022. In 2026, the dividend is set at $1,200.
U.S. Government’s Strategic Investments
President Donald Trump proposed a U.S. sovereign wealth fund in 2025, but his administration has yet to advance the concept significantly. Instead, the government has focused on strategic investments in critical sectors, including defense and semiconductors, amounting to $27 billion across 30 deals since January 2025. These investments, such as stakes in U.S. Steel and Intel, could be a model for future AI investments.
Vice President JD Vance recently indicated White House support for owning AI company stocks. Presently, income from government-held stocks returns to the government without specific directives for its use. A similar approach for AI could lack targeted efforts to address AI’s negative impacts, including on employment.
Considerations for an AI Sovereign Wealth Fund
Creating a sovereign wealth fund focused on AI would involve addressing several key questions:
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How will the government acquire stock in AI companies?
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What criteria will guide investment decisions?
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What funding sources will support these investments?
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How will returns be managed and utilized?
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What are the strategies for mitigating risks associated with high-growth, volatile AI firms?
Owning shares in AI companies doesn’t guarantee they will cover the disruptions their technologies might cause. Policymakers need to reach consensus on investment strategies, risk management, and income allocation to make a sovereign wealth fund effective for the public good. While potentially promising, such initiatives require robust governance and wide support, which can be challenging to achieve in the current political climate.
