A recent poll indicates that almost all new Americans believe foreign governments may use artificial intelligence (AI) to attack the U.S. within the next two decades. According to a Gallup survey, around 87% of adults in the U.S. consider it highly likely that this technology will be employed in such a manner.
However, opinions vary regarding AI’s implications for national security. About 41% of respondents feel that AI will prevent worsening conditions, while 37% think it could enhance national security. Interestingly, half of the individuals aged over 65 believe that AI improves the security landscape.
In contrast, those between 40 and 64 years old seem less optimistic—about 42% think that national security could deteriorate due to AI, while 37% disagree.
On the other hand, the younger demographic appears to be more critical, with 46% of those aged 18 to 29 and the same percentage in the 30 to 39 age group viewing AI negatively in terms of security. Roughly 26% and 30% in those segments, respectively, see it as advantageous.
Additionally, women, Democrats, and non-users of AI exhibit a more negative outlook. The poll revealed that 44% of women believe national security is declining because of AI, alongside 48% of Democrats and 44% of individuals not utilizing the technology.
Skepticism extends to the military’s use of AI weapons, with around 48% expressing opposition to developing autonomous AI-enabled weapons. Conversely, 39% are somewhat or strongly in favor.
The perception shifts if other nations are the first to develop such weapons, though.
In other military-related scenarios, there is a greater belief in AI’s utility. For instance, 41% of respondents think AI will enhance target detection abilities, 38% foresee improvements in intelligence analysis, and 33% believe it will ensure weapons are safe and efficient.
There’s a lack of consensus on whether AI enhances U.S. military strategy, with only 28% supporting this idea and 25% opposing it. Less than a quarter believe that AI has equal effects in both directions, while another 25% are uncertain. Seemingly, the most common sentiment revolves around not being sure of AI’s impact on military quality, with 32% opting for that answer.
President Trump has been advocating for faster AI adoption in the military, urging its active integration in national defense strategies.
Moreover, notable AI companies like Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and Xai have signed contracts with the Department of Defense, amounting to around $200 million in July, to enhance the incorporation of AI technologies.
The Gallup poll was conducted between April 25th and May 5th, with a margin of error of 2.1 percentage points.
