DeSantis Stakes Out Anti-AI Stance, Contrasting with Trump and 2028 GOP Rivals
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is positioning himself as a skeptic of the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), a stance that sets him apart from former President Donald Trump and potential 2028 Republican presidential contenders Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This divergence comes as public concern grows regarding the potential impact of AI on jobs, energy costs and the environment.
A Populist Appeal and Political Strategy
DeSantis’s skepticism isn’t solely based on policy preferences; it’s also a calculated move as he considers his political future, according to sources familiar with his strategy. “It’s kind of a no-brainer, right? You’ve got JD Vance and Marco Rubio, the top two contenders for 2028 considerable time in the pro-AI lane,” a longtime DeSantis advisor stated. “The infrastructure is lining up behind JD and to some extent Marco. So, DeSantis’ challenge is to stay relevant.”
Taryn Fenske, a DeSantis political aide, emphasized the governor’s concerns about the societal dangers of AI, citing instances of chatbots contributing to harmful outcomes. DeSantis has also focused on the potential strain AI data centers could place on state resources.
Clash with the Trump Administration
The DeSantis administration’s efforts to regulate AI at the state level have met resistance from the Trump administration. Trump’s AI czar, David Sacks, and other allies have lobbied against Florida’s proposed state-level regulations and the construction of large data centers. Despite this opposition, DeSantis argued that a federal executive order cannot override state legislation.
During his State of the Union address, Trump announced a deal with tech companies to require them to cover more of the energy costs associated with data centers, stating, “We’re telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs.”
Public Concerns and Polling Data
Recent polls indicate growing public apprehension about the implications of AI. A poll by NBC News and YouGov found that 63% of Americans believe AI advancements will lead to job losses, including 60% of those who voted for Trump in 2024. 33% of respondents anticipate a “more negative than positive” impact on the U.S. Economy. A Morning Consult poll revealed that 41% of registered voters favor banning data center construction near residential areas.
Vance’s Pro-AI Stance and Potential Contrast
Vance, with his background in Silicon Valley venture capital, has been a vocal advocate for AI, warning that excessive regulation “could kill a transformative industry.” However, he has recently expressed concerns about potential privacy violations and political bias related to AI. Vance has advocated for a national regulatory bill rather than state-level regulations, a position that contrasts with DeSantis’s approach.
Geopolitical Considerations and Local Opposition
Beyond domestic concerns, there are broader geopolitical implications to consider, as the U.S. Engages in an “arms race” with China over AI development. While national polling generally favors data center construction, local opposition is strong, particularly when projects are proposed near communities. “Nationally it all sounds solid and gravy,” an advisor working with pro-AI groups noted. “But when you get to the local stuff, you’re f—–.”
DeSantis’s Populist Play
An official close to the DeSantis administration believes the governor sees an opportunity to connect with individuals who feel negatively impacted by AI’s growth. “Seem at all these many trillions of dollars being spent on AI and data centers. They have no clue how it will ever benefit them,” the person said. “This stuff is more for enterprises than the individual person, and they see it as something that will jack up costs and replace them.” The official characterized DeSantis’s strategy as a “populist play.”