Poll Shows Majority Oppose AI Data Center Construction

A new poll released Tuesday by The New York Times in partnership with Siena University shows strong public resistance to the construction of data centers intended to power artificial‑intelligence (AI) technologies. Of the 1,503 likely voters surveyed in early September, 61 percent expressed opposition to such projects, while only 14 percent indicated strong support. The poll was conducted ahead of recent discussions on AI safety and the potential slowdown of related initiatives.

The findings reveal notable partisan differences. Among respondents who said they would vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 election, support for AI data centers was nearly split, with 49 percent in favor and 45 percent opposed. In contrast, voters who backed Kamala Harris or who did not intend to vote leaned more heavily toward opposition. The results underscore a broader public skepticism toward the expansion of AI infrastructure, a sentiment that policymakers are beginning to address.