This anti-AI evangelist is growing more popular. That could be a problem for Trump

In the wake of the pandemic, Joe Allen transitioned from setting up concert lighting and sound systems to becoming a prominent voice warning about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). As live events dwindled, Allen began traveling the country, contributing his insights to various media platforms, including a notable role on Steve Bannon’s "War Room" podcast. What once seemed like a fringe perspective is now resonating with a significant audience. Allen's concerns about AI—viewed increasingly as a threat to jobs, mental health, and the environment—are echoed by a growing number of Americans. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center indicated that more people believe AI will have a detrimental impact on society than a positive one. Allen, a Boston University graduate with a focus on religion and science, has seen his anti-AI message gain traction, even being featured in a cover story by Time magazine. At a recent speech at Dallas' First Baptist Church, one of the largest megachurches in the country, Allen articulated his views to a receptive audience, many of whom align with the MAGA movement but diverge from Trump's largely lenient stance on AI regulation. Allen highlighted a cultural resentment towards technology, claiming that many feel overwhelmed by its rapid advancements. "They’re furious. They do not want it," he remarked, reflecting the sentiments of college students who have protested AI during graduation ceremonies and communities opposing AI data centers due to environmental concerns. Allen's rhetoric challenges the narrative that technology is purely beneficial. He argues that AI is perceived as a "god" that undermines human values, a notion he reinforced by showing a graphic of AI executives likened to the monstrous Shoggoth from H.P. Lovecraft’s fiction. He warned that AI can exploit vulnerabilities, particularly among children, and urged his audience to recognize their skepticism as valid. Bannon, who has championed Allen’s message, believes it resonates deeply with working-class Americans. He praised Allen's ability to connect with audiences, drawing from his theological background and Southern roots. While tech companies tout AI's potential to create jobs and enhance productivity, Allen and his supporters advocate for a more cautious approach, fearing that rapid advancements could jeopardize livelihoods. Trump's administration has generally favored minimal regulation to help the tech industry outpace global competitors, particularly China. However, as voices like Allen's gain prominence, some within the Republican base express concerns about the speed of AI development. Elizabeth Gomez Crocker, a self-identified Trump supporter, articulated her fears about job displacement due to AI and called for more research and slower progress. Public opinion is shifting, with a bipartisan majority now advocating for government regulation of AI. Pew's findings indicate that even among Republicans, confidence in the government's capability to manage AI effectively is low. Younger generations, in particular, are increasingly skeptical about AI's societal implications. As this growing divide within Trump's support base unfolds, Allen remains hopeful that the former president will make informed decisions regarding AI in the coming years. "He’s got three years to make that decision, and his legacy is going to depend on that," Allen concluded.