The Journal. · Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Public anxiety regarding AI's impact is manifesting in various ways, including college graduates booing commencement speakers who mention AI and significant opposition to the construction of AI data centers. This sentiment spans the political spectrum, with figures like Steve Bannon and Bernie Sanders expressing caution.
“Like a few weeks ago, graduating college students across the country booed commencement speakers when they mentioned AI.”
“According to a recent Gallup poll, about 70% of Americans oppose constructing AI data centers in their local areas.”
“You have Steve Bannon with some anti AI messaging or cautious AI messaging, as well as Bernie Sanders.”