AI apocalyptic fears spark political and public backlash

Jacob Coxon, a 27-year-old researcher who worked for OpenAI and Anthropic, resigned last week, warning both companies are racing toward self-improving superintelligence that could end humanity by the end of the decade. His post, which received hundreds of thousands of likes, sparked political and public backlash. Senator Bernie Sanders announced plans to ban superintelligence, while Senator Richard Blumenthal demanded answers from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published a 3,800-word essay calling for a slowdown in AI development, and President Donald Trump dismissed the warnings as hype. Data center opposition has grown across 32 states, with over 300 moratoriums or bans in place by early September. A recent poll found only 14% of Americans would welcome a data center in their community. This backlash has influenced state elections, with data centers becoming a key issue in races for governor and legislative seats. The situation mirrors past resistance to nuclear waste facilities, where communities rejected proposals despite economic incentives, highlighting the power of fear in shaping public opinion. The convergence of AI fears and an ongoing election cycle could influence the 2028 presidential election, with calls for a slowdown in AI development gaining traction. The article suggests this moment may mark a turning point in how society approaches AI and its potential risks.