In a September 13 interview on CNN’s State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, argued that the responsibility for AI safety rests with the technology companies that create it, not with Congress. Johnson warned that imposing a national moratorium on AI development would allow China to overtake the United States, describing such a move as a “threat to every single American.”
Industry‑led safeguards, not federal overreach
Johnson emphasized an “obvious corporate responsibility” for AI developers, citing a recent social‑media post by White House adviser David Sacks that called on industry leaders to protect the public from potential harms. “We need to handle this new technology like we have others in the past and make sure we’re doing everything we can responsibly to also not smother American innovation,” Johnson said.
President Trump defends AI progress
President Donald Trump, a strong advocate for American technological leadership, echoed Johnson’s sentiment during a golf tournament in Ireland on September 13. Trump dismissed the growing alarm over AI, calling the concerns “negative forces” that threaten the industry’s growth. He reminded listeners that U.S. communities should welcome data‑center projects, warning that rejecting them would leave regions “backwards and poor.” Trump added that China would be “very happy” if the United States slowed its AI development.
Critics raise alarm, but their motives are partisan
Democratic leaders quickly responded. Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego likened AI’s decision‑making power to that of a nuclear weapon, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called congressional inaction “deeply dangerous” to the American people. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged the Democratic caucus to prioritize AI regulation. These criticisms come from elected officials and party strategists, reflecting a partisan debate rather than a consensus among independent experts.
Public opinion shows resistance to local data centers
Recent polling highlights community concerns. An NBC News Decision Desk poll released on September 6 found that 69% of respondents oppose the construction of AI data centers in their neighborhoods. A May Gallup survey reported that 70% of Americans oppose data‑center projects in their communities, with 48% strongly opposed. While these numbers illustrate strong local resistance, they do not constitute a trend of changing sentiment, as the surveys provide only single‑point snapshots.
Why industry leadership matters
AI experts have also voiced caution. Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned, warning that AI could pose existential risks within a decade. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an essay urging greater precautions, comparing AI to a medical breakthrough that must be carefully managed. Nonetheless, industry leaders such as Elon Musk of xAI and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have supported Amodei’s call for safeguards while continuing to champion rapid development.
Looking ahead
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, AI policy is emerging as a key issue for voters and candidates alike. Political forecasters suggest that the growing debate could influence the upcoming races, including the potential challenge to Johnson’s speakership. For now, the Trump administration and congressional leaders remain divided on the best path forward, with the President and Speaker Johnson urging a hands‑off approach that lets American innovators lead the world in safe, responsible AI development.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
