Growing Bipartisan Backlash Against AI Could Lead to Political Violence
In the U.S., a bipartisan group featuring Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon is fueling growing anti-AI sentiments. Sanders expressed concerns about "AI oligarchs" taking over jobs, while Bannon condemned Silicon Valley's neglect of ordinary citizens. As the foremost developer of AI, the U.S. is also the most apprehensive about its implications. Local backlash is intensifying, exemplified by Maine's temporary data-center moratorium (which was later vetoed) and the cancellation of numerous proposed projects in early 2025. Incidents of violence have been reported, including a shooting at an Indianapolis councilman's residence and a Molotov cocktail attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The Soufan Center has noted a rise in threats against AI organizations, with political operatives harnessing these anxieties to enhance Democratic support ahead of the midterms.
Key facts
- Steve Bannon and Bernie Sanders both criticize AI as harmful to the working class.
- Maine passed the first statewide data-center moratorium, later vetoed by the governor.
- A record number of proposed data-center projects were canceled in Q1 2025 due to local pushback.
- In April 2025, someone shot 13 rounds at an Indianapolis councilman's home with a note saying 'NO DATA CENTERS.'
- A man threw a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman's home and threatened OpenAI's headquarters; he pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges.
- Social-media posts applauding the attack on Altman received thousands of likes.
- The Soufan Center reports a rise in direct threats against AI individuals and corporations, especially targeting data centers.
- Blue Rose Research found that populist anti-AI messaging increases support for Democrats.
- Senator Josh Hawley questioned whether AI companies will benefit the American worker.
- Senator Mark Warner is 'enormously concerned' that populism from left and right could curb AI innovation.
- A guide titled 'How to Stop a Data Center' from a Michigan group advises demonstrating outside officials' homes.
- Yannick Veilleux-Lepage argues AI creates conditions historically associated with political violence.
- Up to a quarter of Americans accept violence for political change.
- Andreessen Horowitz published an essay declaring the 'job apocalypse' a baseless fantasy.
- Sam Altman reversed his earlier claim that jobs will definitely go away, now saying 'jobs doomerism is likely long-term wrong.'
- A poll shows optimism about AI is highest among Americans earning over $200,000.
- Nathaniel Persily notes many Americans doubt they will be winners from AI based on recent tech history.
Entities
Institutions
- OpenAI
- Anthropic
- Andreessen Horowitz
- Blue Rose Research
- Soufan Center
- Stanford Law School
- The Atlantic
Locations
- United States
- Maine
- Indianapolis
- Michigan
- Virginia
- Missouri