El-Sayed backs govt ownership of half of AI industry as Rogers vows to block ‘big government’ agenda
Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed called for sweeping government control of the artificial intelligence industry, including public ownership of roughly half its value, drawing a sharp rejection from Republican rival Mike Rogers.
“And I think the government should hold about 50% of the value,” El-Sayed said during a Detroit Economic Club event, arguing that AI companies should be rebuilt as public-interest corporations.
El-Sayed said the proposal would help protect workers from AI-driven job losses and direct more wealth toward schools, child care and other public services.
He also called for stronger regulation of large technology companies, arguing that a handful of corporations have become too dominant to face meaningful competition.
Rogers rejected El-Sayed’s approach, warning that government ownership, higher taxes and additional regulations would raise costs for Michigan families and discourage investment.
“I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Detroit become a Democratic socialist city,” Rogers said. “They’re talking about big government, government control, more rules, more regulation, another Green New Deal.”
Rogers said Michigan should focus on lowering utility and auto insurance costs, expanding manufacturing and rebuilding its defense industrial base.
“We need to open up a sign and say, Michigan is open for business again,” Rogers said. “Let’s be the work belt of the Midwest again.”