A new poll published by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that 64% of Americans believe artificial intelligence is developing too fast, highlighting widespread bipartisan anxiety over the rapid pace of technological innovation.
Voter Concerns Cross Party Lines on AI Regulation
Worries about artificial intelligence cross political divides, though perspectives on the speed of growth differ. Approximately three-quarters of Democrats view the technology’s evolution as too fast, compared to roughly half of Republicans. Meanwhile, 27% of U.S. adults say the pace of development is about right, and only 8% feel it is moving too slow.
The Associated Press-NORC poll shows that roughly 8 in 10 Americans consider it extremely or very important for the federal government to keep AI under human control and protect the domestic workforce. Citizens also prioritize minimizing environmental harm and growing the U.S. economy, while about half emphasize promoting technological innovation and competing with China.
Public dissatisfaction extends to political leadership on the issue. President Donald Trump has resisted slowing down AI development due to strategic competition concerns involving China. However, 67% of U.S. adults disapprove of Trump’s handling of artificial intelligence.
There is no handling of the issue except for we’re just going to allow these companies to do whatever they want, and we’re not going to regulate them,
said Stephanie Stewart, a 53-year-old junior-high science teacher from Sunset, Utah.
Workers Voice Fears Over Potential Job Disruption
Employment security remains a central anxiety for everyday workers evaluating the expansion of automated systems and advanced models. Ron Theusch, a 58-year-old truck driver from rural Alden, Minnesota, pointed to the threat of autonomous vehicles replacing human operators on interstate corridors.
I can just see a train of self-driving trucks 24/7, just running up and down I-35, loading and unloading. I can just see that happening,
Theusch said. He added that public apprehension draws parallels to cinematic depictions of runaway technology, noting people easily relate to the concept of machines escaping human oversight.
Age demographics also influence how citizens perceive these risks. Adults under the age of 30 express higher levels of concern regarding unchecked artificial intelligence than individuals aged 60 and older.
I think I have all the normal concerns, right? I think it’s wonderful for certain applications, but I also feel like it will be overused and can create a lack of personal connections,
said Stephanie Stewart.
Voters Express Deep Distrust in Both Major Political Parties
Despite widespread public consensus on the need for government guardrails, voters show little confidence in either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party to effectively manage artificial intelligence. The Associated Press-NORC survey indicates that approximately 4 in 10 Americans trust neither major party on the issue, while nearly 2 in 10 trust both parties equally, and the remainder split their backing between the two.
This political skepticism spans party lines. Only about half of self-identified Republicans and Democrats believe their respective party is best equipped to handle AI policy, with roughly 3 in 10 from each political camp stating that neither party offers viable solutions.
Anyone back in Washington is weak on doing anything for anyone but themselves right now,
Stewart said. So, no, I don’t think the Democrats would do a better job per se. Maybe they would definitely tout it. But until I see anything coming from anyone, I’m going to be like, ‘Yeah, no. You’re all just sitting there.’
Frequently Asked Questions About the AP-NORC AI Poll
What percentage of Americans think AI is developing too fast?
According to The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, 64% of Americans believe artificial intelligence is developing too fast, while 27% say the pace is about right, and 8% say it is moving too slow.
How do Republicans and Democrats differ on AI priorities?
While majorities in both parties agree on the importance of protecting workers and keeping AI under human control, Republicans place a higher emphasis on growing the U.S. economy and competing with China. Democrats are more likely to prioritize minimizing environmental harm.
What do Americans think of President Donald Trump’s handling of AI?
President Trump receives low marks from the public on his approach to the technology, with 67% of U.S. adults disapproving of his performance.
How much trust do voters place in political parties regarding AI policy?
About 4 in 10 Americans state they do not trust either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party to manage artificial intelligence, while nearly 2 in 10 trust both parties equally, according to survey findings.