Why are Trump's own supporters turning against AI?

A growing split has emerged within Donald Trump’s political base over artificial intelligence, with conservative activists pushing for stricter government oversight while the president prioritizes innovation to compete with China. Amy Kremer, president of Humans First and a Trump ally, has criticized lawmakers for failing to regulate AI, comparing its lack of oversight to the stricter rules on a New York street-corner ham sandwich. She argues that rapid AI expansion threatens jobs and societal stability, demanding accountability from policymakers. A letter signed by dozens of conservatives, including former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, called on Trump to require government testing for advanced AI systems before public release. Bannon, who has called AI ‘the most dangerous technology in history,’ urged stronger safeguards amid fears of unchecked technological growth. Trump reportedly abandoned a planned AI executive order in May, citing concerns that excessive regulation could hinder U.S. competitiveness. The decision drew criticism from his supporters, who argue that unchecked AI development risks leaving rural communities behind, particularly due to the environmental and economic strain of large data centers. Opposition to AI infrastructure has spread across the U.S., with local backlash against energy-intensive data centers that offer few jobs. UCLA political science professor Megan Mullin notes that while such resistance is common in development projects, AI’s rapid pace adds urgency to the debate. The divide highlights a rare tension between Trump and his conservative base, as activists clash with his pro-innovation stance in the race for global AI dominance.