AI is powering Trump’s economy, but American voters are getting worried

Core Insights - President Trump is focusing on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) as a key component of his agenda leading into the 2026 election, despite growing voter skepticism about its implications [1][3] - The AI sector is seen as crucial for economic growth, with significant investments and projects being announced, yet local opposition is rising due to concerns over electricity costs and job displacement [2][5][9] Industry Developments - The Trump administration is actively supporting AI initiatives, including signing an order to prevent states from imposing restrictions on AI, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to maintain technological leadership [3][16] - Major tech companies are significantly increasing their capital expenditures, with projections suggesting spending could exceed $500 billion in 2026, indicating strong confidence in AI's potential [18] Economic Impact - Analysts estimate that the AI boom contributed to over half of U.S. GDP growth in the first half of 2025, highlighting its importance to the economy [17] - The Department of Labor is investing in skills training to prepare the workforce for AI-related jobs, aiming to mitigate fears of job losses due to automation [8] Local Opposition and Political Ramifications - There is a notable increase in local opposition to data center projects, with $98 billion in investments reportedly blocked or delayed in the second quarter of 2023, reflecting grassroots concerns about rising utility costs [9][10] - Political dynamics are shifting, with recent Democratic victories in Virginia and New Jersey attributed to voter concerns over the economic impact of AI and data centers [4][21] Future Outlook - The White House plans to release an executive order aimed at expanding the U.S. electric grid, which is expected to address the anticipated increase in energy consumption from data centers [22][23] - Both political parties recognize the need for more comprehensive AI strategies, but currently lack cohesive plans, indicating a potential area for future policy development [20]