Bernie Sanders Criticises Amazon Automation, Proposes Robot Tax to Aid Workers

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders renewed his long-standing criticism of corporate automation on December 29, 2025, targeting Amazon for replacing human workers with robots and suggesting it may be time to impose a "robot tax." In a post on X, the Vermont independent highlighted the economic incentives driving the shift: "Why would corporations like Amazon replace workers with robots? Pretty simple. Robots don’t need a wage, health care, time off, sick leave, Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment benefits." He argued that this trend harms working families and proposed taxing robots to generate revenue that could support those affected by job losses, stating, "Maybe it’s time to tax robots & use the revenue generated to help working families."

This latest statement aligns with Sanders' broader concerns about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and automation, which he has described as the most consequential technology in human history. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, he expressed deep apprehension over AI, noting he is "fearful of a lot" regarding its implications. He criticized the motivations of tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Peter Thiel, accusing them of prioritizing personal wealth and power over worker welfare. Sanders questioned whether these leaders are concerned about the impact on ordinary people, asserting they are not, as their focus remains on becoming richer and more powerful.

The proposal echoes Sanders' earlier calls for a robot tax, including a detailed October 2025 Senate report warning that AI and automation could eliminate nearly 100 million U.S. jobs in the coming decade. In that report, he advocated for a tax on large corporations that replace workers with machines, with proceeds used to improve the lives of those displaced. He has repeatedly pointed to Amazon's plans, including the potential replacement of hundreds of thousands of warehouse jobs, as a prime example of how corporate tax breaks and automation benefit executives and shareholders rather than employees. Sanders has demanded answers from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on support for affected workers, including severance, health benefits, and retirement plans.

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Sanders' renewed push comes amid ongoing debates about AI's societal impact, including job displacement, mental health effects, and economic insecurity. He has urged Congress to study these issues more seriously, consider a moratorium on new AI data centers, and address the fundamental question: if there are no jobs and humans are no longer needed for most tasks, how will people secure income for essentials like food, healthcare, and housing? While the idea of a robot tax has drawn support from figures like Bill Gates in the past, it faces skepticism over practicality, potential consumer cost pass-through, and effects on innovation and competitiveness.

As automation accelerates in sectors like warehousing and manufacturing, Sanders' comments highlight the tension between technological progress and equitable benefits. His proposal aims to ensure that gains from AI and robotics do not solely enrich the top 1% but instead support broader society through targeted revenue redistribution. With discussions on AI policy gaining traction in Congress, Sanders continues to advocate for reforms that prioritize working families amid this transformative era.

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