# America's AI trust gap could sway midterms

> Most Americans distrust AI leaders but use AI daily. Data centers spark local opposition that could reshape how candidates campaign on technology.
- Title: America's AI trust gap could sway midterms · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: Most Americans distrust AI leaders but use AI daily. Data centers spark local opposition that could reshape how candidates campaign on technology. Americans…
- Keywords: artificial intelligence, ai trust, data centers, midterm elections, technology policy, voter attitudes, America's, trust, gap, sway, midterms, TIME
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/10/21/how-america-s-ai-trust-issues-could-impact-the-midterms
- Author: Will Johnson
- Published: 2026-10-21T10:00:03.516+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: artificial intelligence, ai trust, data centers, midterm elections, technology policy, voter attitudes
## Americans doubt AI but use it anyway
Just thirty-nine percent of Americans say AI has a positive impact on society, while forty-four percent believe its impact is negative. Yet forty-one percent use AI chatbots every day.

> Only 15% say they're excited about AI's growth.
## Trust gap widens between users and leaders
Fifty-eight percent of Americans don't trust the leaders of AI companies to make decisions in society's best interests. Among those who believe AI harms society, roughly half use AI chatbots at least weekly.
## AI could influence midterm votes
About two-thirds of Americans said a candidate's position on AI could influence their vote in the upcoming midterm elections. Roughly one in six said it could actually determine their vote.
## Neither party trusted on AI by independents
Nearly two-thirds of independents say they don't trust either party to handle AI responsibly, or that they trust both equally, or that they're unsure. Neither party has established credibility on the issue.
## Data centers spark local opposition
More than half of respondents say they would oppose construction of a large data center near where they live.Nearly four in ten would strongly oppose it.Concerns include electricity costs, water usage, and environmental impact.
## Data center support could cost candidates votes
When asked about candidates who strongly support building more data centers, forty-two percent of voters say that position would make them less likely to vote for a candidate, versus twenty-seven percent who say it would…
## Key takeaway

Americans distrust AI company leaders and oppose local data centers, yet use AI regularly. This contradiction could influence midterm voting and expose tensions between tech industry promises and community concerns.