US Voters Back AI Race Against China but Oppose Local Data Centers
A new CNBC poll reveals that while US voters support AI development to counter China, 63% oppose building data centers near their homes, posing a challenge for candidates.
US President Donald Trump views winning the artificial intelligence race against China as a national security imperative and opposes industry regulations, advocating for massive data center construction. However, a new CNBC poll reveals a deep political divide, showing that while Republican voters widely support AI development, many oppose building data centers near their homes.
According to the survey, about 56% of voters aligned with Trump's MAGA movement want companies to develop advanced AI before Congress passes regulations, compared to 28% who favor halting development. Conversely, only 29% support building a data center within a 16-kilometer radius of their homes, while 40% oppose it. Among all registered voters, 52% believe AI development should be paused until regulations are approved, and 63% oppose having a data center nearby.
The widespread opposition poses a challenge for Republican candidates ahead of the upcoming congressional elections. Brad Carson, a former Democratic congressman from Oklahoma, noted that the public insists on reasonable limits for artificial intelligence. In Ohio, Republican Senator Jon Husted faces a tight race as opponent Sherrod Brown weaponizes data center opposition, prompting legislative efforts to shift infrastructure costs away from residential utility ratepayers.
