Sen. McCormick Discusses Foreign Influence on AI Opinions

Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) stated on Saturday that China and Russia are collaborating to sway American opinions against artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. He referenced polling data that shows a stark contrast in attitudes between the two countries.

During a conversation with Breitbart News’s Washington bureau chief Matthew Boyle, McCormick highlighted the differences in public sentiment regarding AI and data centers in China compared to the United States.

He connected this polarization to foreign influence efforts as well as to initial missteps within the technology sector. “The reason it’s so polarized in the United States is in part because China is leading a campaign along with Russia to turn people against AI and data centers here,” said McCormick. He pointed out that support for these technologies in China is about 80-20 in favor, while in the U.S., the sentiment is flipped. “That’s not by accident. It’s shaped by the dialogue instigated by the Chinese and the poor early approach by major tech firms,” he added.

McCormick warned that falling behind in the AI race could have implications that extend beyond economic concerns. “If China were to emerge as the AI leader, it would grant them military and economic advantages, and they could dictate global rules,” he explained.

To address this challenge, McCormick proposed a governance model for AI similar to FINRA, suggesting that an industry-led framework with federal guidance could be beneficial.

On the subject of data centers, McCormick emphasized that no senator should have the authority to dictate their locations. He referenced agreements in Pennsylvania towns like Bloomsburg and Homer City, stating these arrangements protect energy costs, increase the tax base, and create local jobs.

He also praised Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), calling him “the best surprise I’ve had since joining the Senate,” while mentioning that he believes Fetterman is being sidelined by his party. Fetterman has diverged from party lines regarding AI, stating last month that “China continues to fuel and benefit from our overreaction.”

These comments followed an August revelation by X, which outlined the identification of a suspected Chinese bot network comprising about 200,000 accounts aimed at manipulating discussions on American AI and energy policies. This revelation came after a June OpenAI report highlighted PRC-related accounts involved in a campaign that portrayed data centers as responsible for rising electricity prices.

“The CCP will use every resource, including American AI and social media platforms, to sow division and weaken us,” said Cale Brown, chair of Polaris National Security. He also pointed out the irony that while China utilizes these platforms to influence, they concurrently ban them within their own borders, fearing dissent from their populace.