AI Existential Fears Become Key U.S. Midterm Election Issue

Public anxiety regarding artificial intelligence has emerged as a primary political issue ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. A Politico poll shows 63% of Americans believe AI could destroy humanity, marking a sharp increase in concern since late 2025.

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, and entrepreneur Elon Musk have fueled this sentiment by calling for a slowdown in AI development. Amodei argued that industry leaders "owe it to humanity to try" to decelerate the technology. This perceived risk has created unlikely political alignments, evidenced by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and strategist Steve Bannon appearing together at an anti-AI conference in Washington, D.C.

Political reactions remain divided. Former President Barack Obama is urging Democrats to prioritize AI regulation on the campaign trail. Conversely, former President Donald Trump has dismissed the existential fears as a "hoax," maintaining a pro-AI stance. The debate has also shifted toward physical infrastructure, with AI data centers becoming potential political liabilities for candidates in key states including Ohio and New York.