America's new prophet gains followers, splits Trump camp

Joe Allen, once a concert stagehand, has emerged as a prominent critic of artificial intelligence, attracting a substantial following and becoming a new voice within conservative circles. His journey from the entertainment industry, disrupted by the pandemic, to becoming a vocal opponent of AI technology underscores the growing unease surrounding its societal impact.

Allen's message resonates with a broad spectrum of anxieties prevalent in the United States. He addresses concerns about job displacement due to automation, the immense energy consumption of data centers powering AI, and the potential negative effects on children's mental health and the environment. A recent Pew Research Center poll indicated that a majority of Americans now view AI as more harmful than beneficial, validating Allen's critique.

His growing influence is particularly significant as it intersects with the political landscape. Allen, who has collaborated with Steve Bannon, former chief strategist for the White House, has become a face of the burgeoning anti-AI movement. This movement is creating divisions within the Republican party, potentially complicating Donald Trump's presidential campaign and the GOP's broader strategy.

While the Trump administration and many Republicans view AI development primarily through the lens of geopolitical competition with China, emphasizing minimal regulation to maintain a technological edge, Allen's message appeals to millions of MAGA voters who are less concerned with this race and more worried about the immediate domestic consequences of AI. His critique targets Silicon Valley's AI ambitions, framing them as a threat and positioning himself as a counter-narrative to the tech industry's optimism. The "Silicon Valley demons," as he calls them, are now watching his growing popularity with apprehension.

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I sound less crazy now.