Rep. Ro Khanna tells graduates AI wealth must not flow only to billionaires, citing Gen Z's anxiety over automation and economic hardship

Khanna spoke at Suffolk University commencement in Boston, contrasting his message that 'AI transforms our economy, we must ensure it serves workers, not billionaires' with boos directed at pro-AI speakers across other ceremonies.

Gen Z excitement about AI dropped from 36% to 22% in a single year according to a recent Gallup poll, while anger surged nine points; hyperscalers have committed $700 billion on infrastructure capex.

Khanna, who unveiled a 'seven-point' AI agenda with Sen. Bernie Sanders in February, proposes a 'Work for America' plan offering federal jobs to displaced workers and advocates stringent rules on data centers—including limits to prevent facilities from consuming roughly 300,000 gallons of water per day.