Public sentiment toward artificial intelligence is souring just as OpenAI and Anthropic prepare for potential public offerings and tech giants pour money into infrastructure. Recent polls show majorities of Americans see more risk than benefit from AI, while local and state pushback is mounting against the data centers needed to power the technology. A report cited at least $156 billion in 2025 data-center projects blocked or delayed, and Maine advanced what would be the first statewide ban. The shift comes as Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Meta plan roughly $700 billion in AI-related buildouts. Security concerns also flared after an alleged Molotov attack at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s home. Any IPOs may face a tougher audience: OpenAI has discussed reserving shares for retail investors, even as political and regulatory headwinds grow.
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