Poll Finds Americans Wary of AI Risk, Favor Slowing Progress
A POLITICO/Public First survey shows about 63% of Americans view AI as posing at least a moderate risk of destroying humanity, with a plurality favoring pausing the development of more advanced AI models to curb potential harms. Views cross party lines and demographics, though Trump voters show more split on pausing versus continuing progress. The findings come as tech leaders call for slower development and lawmakers weigh oversight, underscoring AI as a rising political issue ahead of elections. The poll surveyed 2,064 U.S. adults Sept. 13–15 with a margin of error of ±2.2 points.