A recent survey conducted by The New York Times and Siena College has highlighted growing public resistance toward the infrastructure required to support artificial intelligence. According to the poll of 1,503 likely voters conducted in early September, 61 percent of respondents expressed opposition to the construction of data centers intended to power AI technology. In contrast, only 14 percent of those surveyed indicated strong support for such projects.

The findings suggest that the push for AI infrastructure is becoming a politically sensitive issue. The data reveals a notable split in opinion based on political affiliation. Among voters supporting Donald Trump in the 2024 election, the sentiment was more evenly divided, with 49 percent expressing support and 45 percent expressing opposition. The survey results appear to align with recent shifts in political discourse, as lawmakers increasingly respond to local concerns regarding the environmental and social impacts of these large-scale facilities.

While the poll provides a clear snapshot of current public opinion, it does not detail the specific reasons for the opposition, such as concerns over energy consumption, water usage, or land development. The survey was conducted prior to recent high-profile discussions regarding AI safety, suggesting that the public's skepticism may be rooted in broader concerns about the rapid expansion of the technology sector rather than specific safety incidents alone.