Robert Reich argues that growing evidence of AI-driven disruption is being accepted too passively, while its likely benefits are captured by a small group of technology investors and executives. He links weak US jobs and wage figures to research suggesting AI-exposed workers face higher unemployment, slower re-employment and reduced pay, warning that inequality and political influence could deepen.

The US economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, while May and June figures were revised down by 103,000 combined; average hourly pay rose only 0.1% in June and 3.2% over the year. Morgan Stanley estimates unemployment is 0.5 percentage points higher in AI-exposed occupations, covering roughly 30% of employment, while separate research estimates wage losses of $28bn for 5.8 million affected workers; pro-AI political groups have also raised more than $140m.