On with Kara Swisher On with Kara Swisher

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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