In an unusual display of cross-aisle alignment, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Trump White House strategist Steve Bannon are set to headline a Washington, D.C., event on Tuesday calling for stricter oversight of artificial intelligence, underscoring a growing bipartisan push to rein in the technology.
The gathering, dubbed the "Pro-Human Assembly" and organized by the nonprofit Future of Life Institute, comes as lawmakers grapple with how to address AI's potential dangers, from job displacement to existential threats. The event's core message: humans must remain in control of AI systems.
Heightened Alarm After Researcher's Warning
Concerns have intensified following the recent resignation of Jacob Coxon, an AI researcher at Anthropic, who took to social media to claim that scientists at leading AI labs "believe AI could kill all humans" yet continue their work regardless. Coxon warned that superintelligence—a hypothetical AI surpassing human cognitive abilities—could pose an existential risk unless development is drastically slowed.
Sanders, a leading progressive voice on AI regulation, has been vocal on the issue. Alongside Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), he has called for a permanent ban on the development and deployment of superintelligent AI, citing recent incidents involving "rogue" models that were hacked.
Bannon, known for his populist rhetoric, has framed AI as a threat to working-class Americans, repeatedly highlighting the risks posed by the massive data centers that power AI development. His participation signals a convergence of left- and right-wing critiques of the tech industry.
Bipartisan Lineup and Divergent Approaches
The event will also feature Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), and New York State Assemblyman Alex Bores, who has advocated for stronger AI oversight during his congressional bid.
While Democrats and Republicans remain sharply divided on the specifics of AI regulation, a growing number of lawmakers agree that more must be done to ensure safe development, particularly with an eye on protecting American workers. The deepening political rift on technology policy, however, complicates any unified legislative response.
President Trump, a close ally of Bannon, has doubled down on his pro-industry stance. In a social media post on Monday, he argued that the "only protections needed" are a "strong and smart (High IQ!) President," asserting that the government already holds "tremendous criminal and regulatory power" over AI firms.
The clash between industry-friendly executive actions and legislative calls for caution is likely to intensify as AI continues to evolve. The event in D.C. serves as a focal point for those urging immediate action, even as the political landscape remains fraught with disagreement.
