# Trump's tech stance splits him from GOP midterm allies

> As voters worry about AI, data centers, and surveillance cameras, Trump opposes regulation while Republican candidates take the opposite side.
- Title: Trump's tech stance splits him from GOP midterm allies
- Summary: As voters worry about AI, data centers, and surveillance cameras, Trump opposes regulation while Republican candidates take the opposite side. Trump's…
- Keywords: trump, 2026 midterm election, artificial intelligence regulation, data centers, flock cameras, surveillance, republican candidates, voter concerns, tech policy, privacy rights, national security, news
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/Politics/trump-breaks-republican-midterm-candidates-voters-key-tech/story?id=136540625
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: trump, 2026 midterm election, artificial intelligence regulation, data centers, flock cameras, surveillance, republican candidates, voter concerns, tech policy, privacy rights, national security, news
## Trump breaks ranks on tech
President Trump opposes regulation on AI, data centers, and surveillance cameras. But many Republican midterm candidates are taking the opposite stance, calling for safeguards.
## Trump calls AI regulation a hoax
Trump dismissed AI safety concerns as a hoax and argued that federal regulation would disadvantage American AI development against China.
## Michigan GOP candidate wants AI slowdown
Senate nominee Mike Rogers called for a national security framework on AI and wants to slow development so government can catch up. His opponent used Trump's anti-regulation stance to attack Rogers.

> Donald Trump always puts his own interests over the interests of the rest of us.
## Voters fear AI's impact
Two-thirds of Americans say AI is bad for society. A separate poll found 74% believe the government isn't regulating AI enough.
## Data centers divide the party
Trump defends data center construction as economic growth. But GOP candidates like Mike Rogers want a moratorium, and 71% of voters say data center costs outweigh benefits.
## Flock cameras spark debate
Trump supports surveillance cameras for law enforcement. But 61% of Americans see them as privacy violations, and Republican governors are calling for bans or restrictions.
## Misuse cases shift public opinion
High-profile cases of camera misuse have turned public sentiment against surveillance technology. Flock said it supports privacy safeguards and regulatory oversight.

> We support thoughtful, bipartisan legislation that puts strong privacy, transparency, and accountability guardrails in place.
## Texas race highlights tech divide
Republican Ken Paxton touts his lawsuits against tech companies and restrictions on AI bots targeting minors. Democrat James Talarico is pushing comprehensive federal AI guardrails.
## Key takeaway

Trump's deregulatory stance on controversial tech issues puts him at odds with Republican midterm candidates who are responding to voter concerns about safety and privacy.