Ro Khanna blames 'clueless' boomers for Gen Z booing AI: They handed over a ‘broken economy'
Fortune • • business
Key Points:
- Congressman Ro Khanna, representing Silicon Valley, addressed graduates' fears about AI-driven job displacement, contrasting with the negative receptions pro-AI speakers have faced nationwide.
- Khanna highlighted Gen Z's growing anxiety and skepticism toward AI, noting a decline in excitement and a rise in anger, as evidenced by recent polls and workplace resistance.
- He proposed a seven-point AI agenda focused on shifting tax burdens, investing in trade schools, and implementing a "Work for America" program to reskill displaced workers, drawing parallels to the New Deal.
- While supporting the necessity of data centers for AI infrastructure, Khanna called for strict regulations to prevent environmental harm and protect personal data, diverging from some progressive calls for moratoriums.
- Emphasizing education affordability and expanded healthcare roles under Medicare for All, Khanna urged a new social contract to address wealth inequality and ensure AI benefits are broadly shared.