AI Fuels US Populism as 54% Say Powerful People Always Get Their Way
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 22
AI Fuels US Populism as 54% Say Powerful People Always Get Their Way
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 22
Summary
A cross-ideological backlash is forming around AI, with Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon both appearing before a Washington group seeking to halt AI and new data centers.
Reich argues AI has become a symbol of a rigged economy because it enriches corporate backers while threatening jobs and wages; labor's share of the economy fell to a record-low 52.9% in mid-2026.
Public distrust runs beyond economics: about 70% oppose data centers, more than 60% say AI could destroy humanity, and an NBC poll found 54% believe powerful people will do whatever they want.
That resentment may be reshaping party images, with a Times-Siena poll showing 43% of likely voters now associate the word "elitist" with Republicans, versus 33% with Democrats.
The political test is whether Democrats embrace AI-driven economic populism or stay quiet; Politico reported some consultants fear pro-AI groups could swamp battleground candidates with late money.