Findings Show Voters Across the Political Spectrum Support Open-Source AI Development to Counter China and Protect U.S. National Interests
Washington, DC, May 29, 2025 – A new survey released today by the American Edge Project (AEP) reveals that nationwide voters support open-source artificial intelligence (AI). Voters – especially those who make up President Trump’s base – are worried about the threats China and its AI technologies pose to the U.S. Most see open-source AI as a way to help protect Americans and the U.S.’s national security, prevent censorship and surveillance, and ensure the U.S. maintains its competitive edge over China.
Doug Kelly, AEP CEO, said, “People across the country and political aisle increasingly understand the pivotal role that AI leadership will play in the race for global tech domination. As China strategically positions itself to overtake the U.S. in this race, we need a full-scale innovation strategy that ensures America leads on all technological battlefronts, including open-source AI.”
To read the full analysis from this study, see this memo or the accompanying deck.
Key findings include:
- As voters become more familiar with AI, their perceptions of it improve. Compared to data from Mercury Analytics’ December 2024 survey, familiarity with AI is slightly growing along with positive perceptions of AI, especially among Republicans.
- Voters think the U.S. should make space for innovations in both open and closed-source AI. When given the choice between a ban on open-source AI vs. making space for both open and closed-source AI, 62% of nationwide voters – including 68% of independents – support making room for both.
- Voters on both sides of the aisle are worried about China’s AI, fearing it could use its technology to censor information and for military and economic dominance. The vast majority (67%) of nationwide voters — especially voters who make up Trump’s base (73% of MAGA Republicans and 69% of Republicans) – are worried about the potential China has to become a global leader in AI. Specifically, they worry that if China does become a global leader in AI, it could have dangerous repercussions for the U.S.’s national security, enable censorship and surveillance, and give China a competitive economic advantage.
- Voters see open-source AI as a way to protect the U.S.’s national security, free speech, and competitive edge over China. Nationwide, more than two-thirds of voters agree that open-source AI supports the U.S.’s national security and military, aligns with core values (e.g., free speech and an open internet), and helps ensure the U.S. is able to compete with China on a level playing field.
The bottom line: Voters across the political spectrum are worried about China becoming the global leader in AI and the ramifications that would have on the U.S.’s economic standing, values, and national security. Innovations in open-source AI can help protect the U.S. from China’s threats, strengthen the U.S.’s military, encourage values like free speech, and give the U.S. a competitive edge.
This survey, conducted by Mercury Analytics, was fielded between April 10 and 15, 2025 among 2,000 nationwide registered voters. It is a continuation of similar research conducted late last year, in which Mercury Analytics surveyed 1,508 nationwide registered voters between December 2 and 9, 2024.
BACKGROUND:
The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend; retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) and Former U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board.
Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org for more information.
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