The AI Job Disaster Congress Refuses to Fix
Jul 25, 2026 · 41m
Summary
Kara Swisher interviews former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about the urgent need to prepare the US workforce for AI-driven job displacement. Raimondo discusses her new nonprofit, Raise Us, which partners with governors to pilot retraining and support programs amid federal legislative gridlock. She emphasizes the risks of mass unemployment, the necessity of AI safety regulations, and the importance of adapting higher education and economic incentives to ensure a smooth technological transition.
Topics discussed
Introduction and sponsor acknowledgments
Guest introduction: Gina Raimondo and her background
AI's rapid acceleration and the need for workforce readiness
Tech industry influence on politics and policy challenges
New economic models: wage insurance and self-employment aid
Congressional dysfunction and state-level interventions
Data center moratoriums and community impact
Lessons from manufacturing offshoring to China
Tech companies' responsibility in managing AI disruption
Workers training AI robots that may replace them
Future of jobs: trades, healthcare, and entry-level roles
Funding sources and the nonprofit's mission
AI safety, cybersecurity, and bioterrorism risks
Higher education reform and skills-based training
Advice for students: resilience and entrepreneurship
Closing remarks and show credits
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