Microsoft C.E.O. Satya Nadella Says ‘Everyone Is a Stakeholder’ in A.I.

June 11, 2026 - 08:05

Speaking at The New York Times's Hard Fork Live event, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella pushed back against growing criticism of artificial intelligence and weighed in on President Trump's recent remarks about how Americans should benefit from the wealth generated by AI companies. Nadella argued that the technology's impact is too broad to be controlled by a small group of insiders.

"Everyone is a stakeholder," Nadella said, addressing concerns that AI will concentrate power and profit among a handful of tech giants. He acknowledged the backlash against rapid AI deployment, including fears of job displacement and misuse, but insisted that the technology must be built and governed with a wide range of voices in mind. He compared the current moment to the early days of the internet, which also faced skepticism before becoming a universal utility.

Nadella also responded to former President Trump's suggestion that Americans should receive direct financial stakes in AI companies. While Nadella did not endorse the idea outright, he agreed that the benefits of AI should not be hoarded. He emphasized that Microsoft is focused on making AI tools accessible to businesses, governments, and individuals, not just shareholders. The conversation highlighted a growing tension between the speed of AI development and the public's demand for fairness and accountability.