US Government Report Finds Amazon Workers Rely Heavily on Public Assistance Amid Massive AI Spending

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requested by Senator Bernie Sanders, identifies Amazon as one of the largest employers of Medicaid and SNAP recipients across several US states. The study, which analyzed data from September 2025, highlights a significant number of Amazon employees utilizing government food assistance programs. Amazon has contested the findings, arguing that the report fails to account for the company's massive workforce size and that eligibility for such programs is based on household income rather than individual wages. Meanwhile, the report surfaces as Amazon significantly increases its capital expenditure, with projections for 2026 rising to $220 billion, largely driven by investments in AI infrastructure and data centers. Senator Sanders has criticized the disparity between the company's heavy infrastructure spending and the reliance of its workforce on public subsidies, calling for greater corporate accountability regarding employee compensation.