Amid significant media coverage about data centers and their economic implications, a recent poll reveals that over half of Americans view artificial intelligence positively.
A national HarrisX poll found that 56% of voters expressed a favorable opinion of AI, while 36% felt negatively. Notably, 72% of those surveyed believe AI can help reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, and 71% see it as the start of a new industrial revolution.
“There’s a surprising optimism among Americans regarding the benefits AI could bring, from advancements in healthcare to economic development,” commented Nathan Riemer, executive director of Build American AI. “Our findings indicate a real chance for legislators, industry leaders, and innovation proponents to connect with the public on important issues.”
The poll was initiated by Build American AI, a nonprofit advocacy group which contends that concerns about a significant public backlash against AI are overstated and that voters recognize AI’s potential advantages.
Build American AI is linked to the pro-tech super PAC Leading The Future, which has backing from prominent figures in the tech industry, such as OpenAI president Greg Brockman and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale.
For instance, 61% of participants agreed that AI could “help treat diseases, discover new drugs, and accelerate science,” while 64% believed it would enhance the nation’s competitiveness against China.
Additionally, 60% of respondents felt that AI could assist in re-industrializing the U.S. and increasing domestic production.
When it comes to security concerns related to AI, 53% of voters believe the U.S. should rapidly advance AI development, despite the associated risks, in response to foreign competition. Conversely, 47% disagreed.
AI data centers have been a source of considerable controversy, with critics arguing they harm local environments and consume excessive energy. Recently, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order to pause data center construction for a year.
This decision has drawn intense backlash from local business leaders and political figures, including former President Trump, who criticized it as a “terrible decision.”
Moreover, some influential AI executives, like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, have cautioned that as AI technology evolves, it may displace white-collar and entry-level jobs.
Nevertheless, the White House and other tech leaders assert that advanced AI models, like Anthropic’s Fables, are crucial for national security.
The HarrisX survey involved 2,011 registered voters across the nation in July 2026.
