Most US Voters Oppose AI Data Centers, Poll Finds, With No Party Gaining Edge

A New York Times and Siena University poll released Tuesday found that 61 percent of likely voters oppose the construction of data centers to power AI technology. The survey covered 1,503 likely voters and was conducted in early September, before recent discussions around AI safety slowdowns. Only 14 percent of respondents said they strongly support data center construction. Trump voters were nearly split at 49 percent support versus 45 percent opposition, while Harris voters and non-voters leaned more strongly against. The findings suggest AI infrastructure is broadly unpopular across the political spectrum, with neither major party holding a clear advantage on the issue.