A recent nationwide poll reveals a broad opposition among Americans to the construction of new data centers and widespread concern over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs and society. The survey, conducted from October 9 to 13 among more than 2,500 U.S. adults, highlights deep public apprehension in contrast to the Trump administration’s optimistic stance on AI and data infrastructure as drivers of economic growth and national security.

The poll found that 66% of Americans oppose building new data centers—large facilities that house the powerful computing systems used to run AI applications—while 57% described AI as harmful for society, with around one-third considering it “extremely” or “very” detrimental. A majority across both major political parties expressed concern about AI and expressed support for increased federal regulation. About two-thirds also said the government is not doing enough to oversee AI development.

President Donald Trump’s handling of AI drew significant disapproval. Some 67% of respondents said they disapprove of his actions regarding AI technology, a disapproval level comparable to his approach to Iran policy. The poll underscored political tensions surrounding AI policies as the midterm elections approach, particularly in key battleground states such as Ohio and Michigan. Several Republican candidates have sought to distance themselves from the White House’s promotion of AI data centers.

“President Trump is committed to ensuring America continues to lead the world in super intelligence while protecting American consumers,” White House spokeswoman Liz Huston said, invoking the administration’s preferred terminology for AI. She characterized AI and data centers as opportunities for prosperity, coupled with “appropriate protections.”

Despite the rising adoption of AI tools in businesses, education, and government since the launch of ChatGPT four years ago, public sentiment remains divided. While only 42% of adults view AI as at least somewhat beneficial to society, about half said it is somewhat helpful to them personally. Survey respondents expressed nuanced views, acknowledging AI’s usefulness in certain contexts but also its potential risks.

Mariah Arlt, a stay-at-home mother from Farmington, Missouri, voiced a common contradiction: benefiting from AI in navigating a challenging housing-related legal case but also feeling misled by AI-generated videos she initially believed were authentic. Arlt supports legally mandated disclosures to inform the public when content is AI-created and prefers restricting AI to low-stakes uses.

Concerns about AI’s societal effects were highlighted by the finding that over 60% of respondents believe there is a high risk AI could eliminate many jobs, compromise cybersecurity, or diminish individuals’ decision-making abilities. Nearly one-third of Americans said they perceive a high risk that AI could contribute to human extinction, reflecting anxieties that have gained attention in recent public debates.

The poll also identified partisan and demographic divides. Republicans and men were more likely to view AI positively compared to Democrats and women, and while half of Republicans opposed new data centers nationally, their opposition was notably lower than the 76% among Democrats. However, majorities from both parties oppose the establishment of data centers in their own communities and favor stronger federal oversight.

Trust in political parties to manage AI remains low, with 26% placing trust in Democrats and 19% in Republicans. Robby Strock, a Democrat and pastor from Canton, Ohio, criticized the lack of government action on AI regulation and called state tax incentives for data centers “a huge mess up.”

The poll’s findings underscore the growing complexity of AI as a political and social issue, reflecting widespread ambivalence amid rapid technological change. The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points.