US Workers Back AI Support Fund Despite Tech Layoffs, Survey Shows

A fresh survey released this week reveals a surprising consensus among American workers: about six out of ten back the idea of a government‑backed fund to cushion the impact of artificial‑intelligence‑driven job losses. The numbers are striking, especially when you consider the backdrop of massive layoffs across the tech sector over the past year.

The poll, conducted by the research firm Gallup, asked a nationally representative sample of 1,200 employed adults whether they would support a dedicated AI transition fund. Roughly 58 % answered “yes,” while 33 % said no and the remainder were unsure. When respondents were probed about the reasons, many pointed to the rapid pace of automation and the fear that workers could be left behind.

Even among those who are generally optimistic about AI’s promise—citing higher productivity and new opportunities—there’s a clear call for safety nets. "We want the tech benefits, but not at the cost of our livelihoods," one participant explained. The sentiment echoes a broader anxiety that, while AI can create new roles, it also threatens to erase existing ones faster than the market can retrain workers.

Industry leaders have been quick to note the layoffs, with several major firms announcing cuts ranging from 5 % to 15 % of their workforce. Those cuts often cite AI‑driven efficiency as a factor, further fueling the public’s concern. Yet the same respondents who supported the fund also expressed confidence that with proper retraining programs, displaced workers could transition to new, AI‑adjacent positions.

Policymakers are now faced with a dilemma: how to balance encouraging innovation while providing a buffer for those caught in the transition. The survey suggests a sizable portion of the electorate would back legislation that funds upskilling, offers short‑term income assistance, and perhaps even creates a small levy on AI‑generated profits to finance the effort. Whether Congress will act on these findings remains to be seen, but the public message is clear—people want a safety net as the AI revolution gathers speed.