Key Points:
- Only 13% of Trump voters support a completely unregulated artificial intelligence market.
- Tech leaders warn that artificial intelligence could automate millions of white-collar jobs by 2027.
- Republican state leaders in Florida and Utah are fighting the White House over local technology laws.
- Super PACs are spending millions to influence federal artificial intelligence rules ahead of the midterm elections.
President Donald Trump wants to deregulate the artificial intelligence industry so companies can develop new technology as fast as possible. However, a new poll shows his own supporters completely disagree with this hands-off approach. Voters worry about mass job losses, major economic disruptions, and national security threats from China.
A recent POLITICO Poll reveals exactly how Trump voters feel about the booming tech sector. Only 13% of his 2024 voters think the federal government should stay out of the way and let the free market decide. Instead, about three out of four Trump supporters want the government to step in. They want officials to impose strict regulations on the industry or set clear national rules for companies to follow. When asked if the benefits of the technology outweigh the risks, the voters split perfectly down the middle. Exactly 42% said the benefits outweigh the risks, another 42% said the risks are worse, and 16% simply did not know.
The fear that technology will replace human workers drives much of this anxiety. Supporters worry the new software will destroy far more jobs than it ever creates. About 51% of non-MAGA Trump voters hold this fear, compared to 42% of MAGA Trump voters. Tech executives agree that major disruptions are coming fast. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned last May that the technology could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within five years. Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman echoed this warning in February, stating that computers could automate most white-collar work by the middle of 2027.
Despite these fears, the White House pushes forward with its pro-industry plans. Former White House adviser Dean Ball, who led the creation of the administration’s AI Action Plan, said the poll results send a clear message. He noted that Republican voters simply do not buy the idea that zero regulation is the best path forward. Ball said Americans want moderate outcomes and sensible rules to protect the country.
This disagreement is ripping the Republican party apart at the state level. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis fought against Trump’s efforts to block state technology laws. DeSantis even tried to pass a special bill of rights to impose strict safeguards on the sector, but the effort ultimately failed.
Utah faces a similar political battle. Republican state Representative Doug Fiefia introduced a bill to force transparency requirements on the tech industry. The Trump administration strongly opposed the bill and killed it. Many local conservatives blamed former White House tech czar David Sacks for pushing this aggressively friendly approach toward Big Tech. Fiefia expressed deep disappointment, stating it was frustrating to watch unelected federal bureaucrats stop states from protecting their own local communities.
When voters look at who should actually write the rules, they prefer a national approach. The poll found that 59% of Trump voters want the federal government to set the regulations, while only 24% want to leave the job to individual states. For comparison, 51% of people who voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 prefer federal rules, and 27% prefer state rules.
Inside the Capitol, Republican lawmakers are fighting over exactly how to handle states’ rights. Last year, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas tried to pass a 10-year ban on all state artificial intelligence laws. He wanted to attach this ban to a major spending package. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee killed his proposal. She argued that until Congress passes strong federal laws to protect children and creators, lawmakers cannot block states from defending their own citizens.
Meanwhile, the White House ignores fears of job losses and focuses heavily on beating China. The administration constantly warns that the United States faces catastrophic risks if a foreign rival dominates the global tech market. This focus creates another divide among voters. About 54% of non-MAGA Trump voters say they prioritize safety and regulation, even if it allows China to develop technology faster. MAGA Trump voters split evenly at 42% on whether to prioritize safety or beat China at all costs.
This massive debate will play a huge role in the upcoming midterm elections. Super PACs representing both the tech industry and safety advocates are pouring millions of dollars into political campaigns. They want to sway lawmakers as Congress tries to write a final federal standard. Democrats plan to wait until November, hoping they regain power before voting on any weak tech rules. Despite the messy political fights, White House technology director Michael Kratsios remains optimistic that both parties can pass a national framework later this year.
