Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani Warn of Economic Crisis and AI Job Loss

Senator Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared together at a Manhattan rally on April 13, 2026, where they addressed the economic threats posed by the ruling class and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

During the event, Sanders issued a warning that the worst is yet to come for the US economy unless workers are able to overcome a ruling class of billionaires.

Mayor Mamdani joined the senator in cautioning that artificial intelligence is coming for human jobs, highlighting a growing concern over how the technology’s development will impact the workforce.

Concerns Over AI and Economic Security

The warnings issued during the April 13 rally align with previous criticisms made by Senator Sanders regarding the nature of AI. In a December 28, 2025, appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, Sanders described AI as the most consequential technology in the history of humanity.

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Sanders expressed fear regarding the potential for AI to transform the world in ways that have not been sufficiently discussed by Congress. He specifically questioned how individuals would secure income for healthcare, rent, and food if humans are no longer needed for most jobs.

The senator has explicitly linked the financial ambitions of the world’s wealthiest individuals to the economic insecurity of millions of Americans. He has called for a potential moratorium on the construction of new datacenters to address these risks.

Critique of Tech Moguls

Sanders has singled out specific tech figures, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Peter Thiel, questioning their motives in pushing AI technology.

He suggested that these moguls are not concerned with how the technology impacts working people, asserting that they are not spending their nights worrying about the workforce.

Mamdani’s Focus on Labor and Justice

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has consistently warned that AI-driven job losses will grow across the United States, a sentiment he echoed during the April 13 rally and in previous statements in December 2025.

In an interview on April 8, 2026, Mamdani acknowledged that job losses have been troubling. His current administration remains focused on economic justice, despite calls from business leaders and budget watchdogs to prioritize economic development.

The political alliance between Sanders, Mamdani, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been characterized as a form of anti-AI socialism within the Democratic party, as seen during previous appearances at venues such as Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.

While Sanders and Mamdani focus on the economic displacement of workers, other legislators have approached AI from different angles. For example, Republican senator Katie Britt has proposed that AI companies be held criminally liable if the technology exposes minors to harmful ideas.