Why are Trump's own supporters turning against AI?

Washington: US President Donald Trump's strong backing of artificial intelligence has opened an unexpected divide within his political base, with a growing number of conservative activists warning that the technology could pose serious risks to jobs, communities and society at large.

While Trump has repeatedly championed rapid AI development in the United States and argued that excessive regulation could weaken America's ability to compete with China, some of his most loyal supporters are increasingly questioning that approach.

The debate highlights a rare point of disagreement between the president and parts of the Make America Great Again movement that has stood firmly behind him for years.

Conservatives raise alarm over AI growth

Among the most vocal critics is Amy Kremer, president of the advocacy group Humans First and a long-time supporter of Trump.

Kremer argues that conservatives should pay closer attention to what she describes as the dangers of artificial intelligence, particularly as the technology expands into more areas of everyday life.

She has also accused lawmakers of failing to properly regulate the industry, suggesting that financial ties between politicians and wealthy technology executives have contributed to the lack of oversight.

"There are more regulations on a ham sandwich that I can buy at a street corner in New York City or Washington, DC, than there is on AI," Kremer said.

Letter sent to Trump calls for safeguards

Concerns over AI recently prompted dozens of activists, many of them conservatives, to sign a letter addressed to Trump.

The initiative was organised by Humans First and later published by news outlet Axios.

The letter argued that technological innovation should not move forward without accountability and public protections.

"America did not become the greatest nation in the world by allowing unelected elites to experiment on the public without safeguards or accountability," the letter stated.

Among the signatories were Kremer and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, one of the most influential figures within the populist movement that helped shape Trump's rise in American politics.

Bannon has long expressed concerns about artificial intelligence and has described it as "the most dangerous technology in the history of mankind."

He and other supporters of the letter urged Trump to introduce a policy requiring advanced AI systems to undergo government testing before being released to the public.

The proposal reflects growing anxiety among some conservatives who fear that AI is advancing faster than governments can respond.

Trump pulls back from planned AI order

The debate intensified after Trump reportedly decided at the last moment not to sign a planned executive order on powerful AI systems on May 21.

The proposed order would have encouraged voluntary industry standards and controls for AI development.

Following the decision, attention turned to Trump's allies in Silicon Valley, many of whom oppose stronger government regulation of the technology.

Trump has consistently maintained that excessive restrictions could slow innovation and reduce America's ability to compete with China in the race to dominate artificial intelligence.

Public concerns are not limited to the technology itself.

Across the United States, opposition has also grown against the construction of large data centres needed to support AI systems.

These facilities consume vast amounts of electricity and water, while often creating relatively few local jobs.

According to UCLA political science professor Megan Mullin, the backlash resembles community resistance that often emerges around large development projects.

However, she believes there is an important difference.

Rural communities feel left behind

Mullin said many data centres are being built in rural areas where residents already feel disconnected from national political decision-making.

The arrival of massive technology infrastructure projects has intensified concerns among some communities about local resources and quality of life.

According to Mullin, the construction of these facilities is reinforcing feelings of frustration and resentment among residents who believe their concerns are frequently overlooked.

The issue is particularly significant because rural voters have been among Trump's strongest supporters since he entered politics.

Trump has consistently built support among voters who feel ignored by political and economic elites.

Data from the Economic Innovation Group shows that Trump won approximately 90 per cent of rural counties during the last three presidential elections.

His share of the rural vote has also increased steadily over time.

According to Pew Research figures, Trump secured 59 per cent of the rural vote in 2016, rising to 65 per cent in 2020 and 69 per cent in 2024.

Despite this strong support, some of these same voters are now expressing concern over his enthusiastic embrace of artificial intelligence.

Critics focus their anger on tech industry

Even among critics, support for Trump remains largely intact.

Kremer praised the president's leadership, describing it as "absolutely amazing" and insisting that he remains committed to ordinary Americans.

Instead of blaming Trump directly, she directed criticism towards technology companies and industry lobbyists.

"They have built a moat around the White House," she said, arguing that powerful interests are preventing the president from fully hearing public concerns about AI.

Could AI become a major election issue?

Political analysts say it remains unclear whether dissatisfaction over artificial intelligence will grow into a significant electoral issue.

Mullin believes there are early signs of an AI-related backlash, although she said the movement has not yet reached a level that would significantly influence voting behaviour.

Younger activists, however, believe the issue could soon gain momentum.

Alex Dray, a 23-year-old campaigner who is sceptical of artificial intelligence, said concerns about mental health, employment and the cost of living are making AI increasingly important to younger voters.

Dray's organisation, the Young People's Alliance, identifies itself as bipartisan and also signed the letter sent to Trump.

"I think there's going to be a reckoning in the next couple months," he said.

Agency inputs