AI fears bridge political divide as Sanders and Bannon join DC event

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon speaks during at the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians including Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT), and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) speaks during at the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Sen. Sanders joined former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, Industry leaders, politicians, and community members for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) speaks during at the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Sen. Sanders joined former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, Industry leaders, politicians, and community members for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

Steve Bannon, host of the War Room podcast and former adviser to US President Donald Trump, speaks during the The Pro-Human Assembly, convening the leadership of nearly every constituency of the pro-human movement in the wake of the rise of artificial intelligence, in Washington, DC, September 15, 2026. The event is organized by the "Future of Life Institute," an advocacy group calling for human control of AI, avoiding concentration of power, and strong oversight.

International Association for Safe and Ethical AI President Stuart Russell speaks during at the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians, and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

Future of Life Institute Founder and Chair Max Tegmark speaks on stage during the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians, and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) speaks during the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians, and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) speaks during the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians, and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

CEO and executive director of the Future of Life Institute Anthony Aguirre speaks during the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians, and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

Future of Life Institute Director of Communications Ben Cumming moderates a conversation with actress and activist Ashley Judd during the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians, and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

Audience members watch as a statistic is displayed at the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians, and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.

CEO and Executive Director of the Future of Life Institute Anthony Aguirre; Director of Futures Emilia Javorsky; and Founder and Chair Max Tegmark (L-R) stand on stage during the Pro-Human Assembly at the Marriott Marquis Washington on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. Industry leaders, politicians, and community members gathered for a day of discussion around the topic of AI legislation.