Americans express growing concern over artificial intelligence development and the rapid expansion of data centers, even as economic issues remain their primary focus ahead of the midterm elections. Recent polling indicates a broad consensus across party lines that federal regulators have not done enough to oversee emerging technologies.
Polling Reveals Bipartisan Anxiety
A CNN/SSRS poll found that 71 percent of Americans believe the federal government is failing to adequately regulate AI. The sentiment cuts across political affiliations: 85 percent of Democrats, 67 percent of independents, and 63 percent of Republicans say the government should take action on AI regulation.
A Politico poll found that a plurality of U.S. adults support pausing AI development to implement safety guardrails, regardless of their political leaning. A majority in that same survey indicated they believe there is a real risk that artificial intelligence could destroy humanity. Similar concerns regarding AI risks were identified in polling conducted in Canada and Europe.
Despite these anxieties, voters have not yet made AI the central issue of their ballots. Less than 1 percent of respondents cited AI or data centers as the most important factor in their voting decisions. Economic issues continue to dominate voter priorities.
Data Center Opposition Grows
The physical infrastructure required to support AI has drawn significant public skepticism. A New York Times/Siena poll found that 61 percent of voters oppose constructing data centers to support artificial intelligence, while only 34 percent support such construction. No political party held a clear advantage on these issues in the survey.
A Pew Research Center poll conducted in March highlighted specific local concerns regarding these facilities. Thirty-nine percent of respondents viewed data centers as “mostly bad” for the environment, 38 percent cited negative impacts on home energy costs, and 30 percent expressed concern over the effect on quality of life in nearby communities.
Executive Action and Diplomatic Stance
The White House has taken a distinct approach to the technology sector. President Donald Trump spoke at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, rejecting international calls to slow AI development. During his address, he announced that the administration is rebranding artificial intelligence as “superintelligence” in official U.S. documents.
Trump also used the platform to discuss broader geopolitical strategy, stating he is weighing a deal with Iran or annihilating the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, the White House has negotiated with senators on the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act, which includes a “duty of care” provision absent in the earlier House-passed version.
Catholic Teaching and Legislative Advocacy
The Catholic Church has increasingly focused its moral teaching on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Pope Leo XIV published his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, in May 2026. The document called for AI regulation that respects the environment, avoids waste, and prevents exploitation.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced a new task force on AI, human dignity, and online child safety. More than a dozen U.S. bishops met with members of Congress on September 16 to urge the enactment of safety guardrails, specifically supporting legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 1748).
Cardinal Pietro Parolin addressed the UN General Assembly on September 23, urging that the global debate on AI center on universal values and human dignity. The Church’s engagement reflects a broader effort to ensure technological advancement aligns with moral principles.