Poll data released Tuesday by the New York Times and Siena University indicates significant public opposition to AI and the data centers that power it. Among 1,503 likely voters surveyed in early September, 61 percent said they opposed the construction of data centers for AI technology, while only 14 percent expressed strong support.
The results varied along political lines. Voters who backed Donald Trump in 2024 were roughly evenly divided, with 49 percent in support and 45 percent opposed. Those who voted for Kamala Harris or did not vote leaned toward opposition. The survey was conducted before recent discussion around an AI safety slowdown.
Why it matters
The findings point to broad public skepticism toward AI infrastructure, a sentiment the report notes politicians are already responding to. The relatively even split among Trump voters suggests opposition is not confined to one part of the electorate.
Who should care
Policymakers, companies planning data center projects, and those tracking public attitudes toward AI will find the polling relevant to how AI expansion is received.