New Google Ad Imagines AI-Co-Written Declaration of Independence

Two and a half centuries after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Google has launched a new ad that raises an intriguing question: How would the Founding Fathers have utilized Google Workspace?

With the slogan “Group project, but make it 1776,” the advertisement showcases a largely unseen Thomas Jefferson drafting the declaration, continually interrupted by Ben Franklin’s persistent texts. This leads to a uniquely Google-inspired collaboration. Edits are suggested in Google Docs, a meeting is set up using Google Calendar, conducted virtually via Google Meet (where it appears all cameras are off), and everything wraps up with e-signatures; cue the celebratory fireworks.

In true 2026 tech fashion, artificial intelligence is featured. The imaginary Founding Fathers make use of Google’s “help me visualize” AI tool to toy with different animals for the national seal. Gemini takes notes throughout the meeting, and the founders consult the chatbot for guidance before dismissing King George III’s request for document access.

The entire portrayal is decidedly tongue-in-cheek (at one point, Sam Adams humorously asks, “Can we settle this over beers?”), and the promotion of AI feels more understated than in many recent ads. Unlike that famous Google advertisement featuring a father asking Gemini to write a fan letter for his daughter, this one doesn’t imply that AI could improve the actual text of the Declaration of Independence. Perhaps the most AI-driven element is the video itself, which possesses an oddly polished quality akin to AI-generated content.

While comments on YouTube and Instagram appear largely positive, feedback on Bluesky has been notably critical. Users have labeled the ad as “cringey” and “stunningly tone deaf,” with the AI component receiving the bulk of the criticism—even as several commenters, including historian Angus Johnston, noted how limited the role of AI truly is.

“Even in a corny fantasy scenario, it’s hard to argue that AI acts as a beneficial tool for political organization, writing, or human collaboration,” Johnston remarked.