Will AI Populism Decide the 2028 Election? | Jasmine Sun

In this episode of Bankless, host Ryan Grant sits down with Jasmine Sun, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and author of the Substack series 'AI Populism,' to explore the rising political force of AI populism in the United States. Sun defines AI populism as a growing movement where diverse groups—from conservatives to environmentalists to labor advocates—unite in opposition to AI not as a neutral technology, but as an elite-driven project threatening jobs, wealth distribution, and societal stability. While AI ranks 29th in voter concern, Sun argues it's rising fastest among issues and has already become a galvanizing political force, evidenced by protests against data centers, violent attacks on tech leaders like Sam Altman, and the strategic use of AI messaging by politicians like Bernie Sanders and Josh Hawley. The discussion delves into the psychological and economic roots of this backlash: deepening wealth inequality, distrust in institutions, and the perception that AI billionaires are disconnected from ordinary citizens. Sun warns that while AI may not cause mass unemployment overnight, near-term disruptions in white-collar jobs—especially in software, writing, and design—will fuel political resentment, potentially reshaping the 2028 election into a battle between 'decelerationists' (anti-AI, pro-regulation) and 'accelerationists' (pro-tech, pro-growth). She cautions against both extremes, advocating instead for a 'grand bargain'—a new social contract involving expanded unemployment benefits, shorter workweeks, public wealth funds, and inclusive policy negotiations to ensure technology’s gains are shared. The episode ends with Sun reflecting on her own use of AI as a tool, emphasizing the enduring value of human comparative advantages like on-the-ground research, emotional intelligence, and narrative depth.