Senator Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon, typically on opposite ends of the political spectrum, are uniting over artificial intelligence concerns. On May 3, Sanders spoke at Mumford High School in Detroit, while Bannon addressed the Semafor World Economy Summit on April 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
This unusual alliance is focused on increasing human control over AI. Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont, and Bannon, a previous Trump adviser, will appear at the ‘Pro-Human Assembly’ in Washington, D.C. The event is designed to push Congress for faster action curbing AI impacts.
This collaboration illustrates the shifting political landscape influenced by AI. Organized by the Future of Life Institute, the assembly advocates for a pro-human approach based on 33 principles. These principles emphasize maintaining human control over AI, ensuring personal agency, and holding AI companies accountable.
The event occurs amid rising concerns over AI’s influence. Warnings from AI insiders have prompted leaders at Anthropic and OpenAI to call for slowing AI development to ensure human oversight. Simultaneously, lawmakers have pressed House Speaker Mike Johnson to establish AI safeguards. However, Johnson believes AI regulation should primarily be the responsibility of companies.
Johnson stated, “We can’t impose a moratorium because China will surpass us, and that’s a threat to America.” He argues that hasty congressional action could impede progress against international competitors. Despite this, the House is set to vote on the Ratepayer Protection Act, targeting energy cost spikes linked to data center construction.
President Trump has generally supported AI advancement despite acknowledging voter concerns. In response to industry warnings for a slowdown, he emphasized maintaining U.S. leadership in AI development. Trump stated, “We’re leading China in AI. Whoever wins AI wins.” He suggested that external negative forces are unnecessarily raising alarm.
The Assembly event has drawn advocates for stringent AI control, including Hollywood figures Ashley Judd and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as well as religious and child safety advocates. Some of these supporters are parents of children who died after interacting with AI chatbots.
The event’s organizers concluded by asserting the importance of prioritizing shared humanity in solving AI challenges. They emphasize the need for trust and collaboration in addressing the future of AI use.
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