2025-05-31T18:37:40Z

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Former US President Barack Obama has once again voiced his concerns regarding the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on employment, especially for entry-level positions. His recent remarks were prompted by an article that starkly warns about the risks AI poses to the workforce, particularly in white-collar sectors.

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obama highlighted the urgency of the situation. He stated, “At a time when people are understandably focused on the daily chaos in Washington, these articles describe the rapidly accelerating impact that AI is going to have on jobs, the economy, and how we live.” This statement underscores his belief that the implications of AI should not be overshadowed by current political turmoil.

The article in question, published by Axios.com, features insights from Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic. Amodei presents a dire forecast, asserting that AI could potentially eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within the next one to five years, pushing unemployment rates to between 10 and 20 percent. He stressed the importance of both AI companies and governmental bodies confronting this reality, urging them to refrain from “sugar-coating” the impending changes.

“Most of them are unaware that this is about to happen. It sounds crazy and people just don’t believe it,” Amodei warned, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness. He elaborated that AI's capabilities have progressed beyond merely automating simple tasks to actively replacing jobs in critical fields such as technology, finance, law, and consulting. “It’s going to happen in a small amount of time—as little as a couple of years or less,” he added ominously.

Amodei is not alone in sounding the alarm. Steve Bannon, a prominent figure from Trump’s first term and host of the popular MAGA podcast “War Room,” echoed these sentiments, stating that the ramifications of AI on jobs are being largely overlooked at present but will undoubtedly emerge as a significant issue in the 2028 presidential campaign. “I don’t think anyone is taking into consideration how administrative, managerial, and tech jobs for people under 30—entry-level jobs that are so important in your 20s—are going to be eviscerated,” Bannon remarked, indicating that the younger workforce might be hit the hardest.

Obama's post garnered substantial attention online, with numerous users expressing agreement and concern over the implications of AI on employment. One user commented, “Good to see a former president raise awareness of the storm that is coming.” Another added, “This is a big deal. There are many jobs for which it is trivial for AI to replace. A sober warning that needs to be taken seriously.”

However, not all responses were filled with alarmism. A user pointed to history, saying, “Agreed. Although this narrative has been present before – including during the Industrial Revolution – and we managed through it. Maybe this time is different,” suggesting that society has previously adapted to significant technological changes.

Another individual emphasized the resilience of humanity, stating, “Undoubtedly, there will be certain repercussions. However, it is crucial not to underestimate the resilience and adaptability of humanity. Throughout history, in the face of any emerging technology, humanity has consistently demonstrated its capacity to adjust and navigate new challenges.”

Obama's previous comments on the subject reaffirm his ongoing concern regarding AI's encroachment on job security. In April, during a discussion at Hamilton College in New York, he elaborated on how AI could reshape employment landscapes, particularly for roles that involve routine tasks. He noted that advanced AI models have reached a point where they can code better than “60 percent, 70 percent of coders now,” highlighting the technology's potential to disrupt even skilled professions.

As the conversation around the implications of AI on the job market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how governments, companies, and workers will navigate this new landscape.