Senator Bernie Sanders is calling for a nationwide moratorium on the construction of AI data centers, urging a temporary pause on the rapid expansion of the infrastructure that powers artificial intelligence. In a video posted to social media on Tuesday, the Vermont senator and two-time presidential candidate announced his intention to push for a federal halt to new data center projects. Sanders described AI as one of the most transformative technologies in human history, but warned that its development is outpacing democratic oversight and public understanding. “This moratorium will give democracy a chance to catch up with the transformative changes that we are witnessing and make sure that the benefits of these technologies work for all of us, not just the wealthiest people on Earth,” he said. His proposal stands out as one of the most sweeping calls for restraint from a national politician. While other lawmakers have raised concerns about AI’s risks, Sanders is the first to advocate for a formal pause on the physical expansion of AI infrastructure—specifically data centers, which are essential for training and running large AI models. He emphasized that the current pace of AI development is driven largely by a small group of billionaire tech executives, raising concerns about equity, accountability, and long-term societal impact. “This process is moving very, very quickly, and we need to slow it down,” Sanders said. “We need all of our people involved in determining the future of AI, and not just a handful of multi-billionaires.” The senator cited three key reasons for the proposed pause: the concentration of power in the hands of a few tech titans, the potential for widespread job displacement due to automation, and the growing concern that AI could erode genuine human interaction. “Think for a moment about a future when human beings are not interacting with each other and are spending virtually all of their time with devices instead of people,” he said. “Is that the kind of future you want? Well, not me.” While Sanders’s vision is gaining attention, it faces significant political and economic hurdles. The Trump administration has actively promoted the construction of data centers, viewing them as critical to maintaining U.S. technological leadership in the global race with China. Meanwhile, skepticism about AI’s unchecked growth is growing across Capitol Hill, with lawmakers increasingly concerned about an AI bubble, privacy violations, and the risks of AI use by minors. Still, Sanders’s call for a pause reflects a broader debate about how quickly society should embrace AI—and who should be in charge of shaping its future.