Key Takeaways
- A Marquette University Law School national survey (April 8‑16) shows broad bipartisan skepticism that the costs of data centers outweigh their benefits.
- Seventy percent of respondents view artificial intelligence (AI) as overall harmful to society, driving much of the opposition to data‑center projects.
- Public backlash has already led to the cancellation or postponement of several data‑center proposals in Wisconsin communities such as DeForest and Menomonie.
- The same poll reveals that 66 percent of Americans agree with a Supreme Court decision overturning former President Trump’s tariffs under the International Emergency Powers Act, yet only 57 percent approve of the Court’s overall performance.
- For the first time, the survey asked whether the United States is a force for global stability or instability; 60 percent said the U.S. is a source of instability, a finding Franklin called “stunning” given historical self‑perceptions.
Overview of the Marquette Poll Findings
Marquette University Law School released a national survey conducted between April 8 and 16 that gauges public attitudes toward data centers, artificial intelligence, tariffs, and the Supreme Court. The poll’s director, Charles Franklin, noted that the results reveal “pretty much bipartisan skepticism” both nationally and in Wisconsin, a rare area of agreement between Republicans and Democrats. The survey’s large sample cut across gender, age, income, and partisanship, showing that majorities in every demographic group believe the drawbacks of data centers outweigh any potential advantages.
Data Centers Face Widespread Doubt
When asked directly about data‑center projects, a clear majority of respondents said the costs—such as energy consumption, water use, and local traffic—outweighed the promised economic benefits. Franklin explained that this sentiment “almost exactly lines up” with a March poll of Wisconsin voters, indicating that the concern is not confined to one state. The skepticism is rooted in worries about environmental strain and the perception that data centers primarily serve large tech firms rather than local communities.
Artificial Intelligence Drives Much of the Opposition
A striking 70 percent of those surveyed characterized artificial intelligence as “overall a bad thing for society.” Franklin highlighted this figure as a key driver behind the data‑center skepticism, saying, “One thing that lies behind that is a really strong doubt about artificial intelligence.” The poll did not break down AI opinions by sector, but the overwhelming negative view suggests that fears of job displacement, privacy erosion, and algorithmic bias are shaping public perception of any infrastructure tied to AI development.
Real‑World Impacts: Cancellations and Delays in Wisconsin
The poll’s findings are not merely abstract; they have translated into tangible opposition on the ground. In Wisconsin, several data‑center proposals have encountered strong public resistance, leading to cancellations or postponements. Notable examples include projects in DeForest and Menomonie, where local groups cited concerns over electricity demand, water usage, and the lack of clear community benefits. These developments underscore how national attitudes can influence local decision‑making when residents mobilize against perceived threats.
Tariff Views and Supreme Court Approval
Beyond technology, the poll examined attitudes toward trade policy and the judiciary. Sixty‑six percent of Americans agreed with a Supreme Court ruling that overturned former President Trump’s tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Powers Act. This approval exceeds the 59 percent of Wisconsin residents who supported the same decision in the March state poll. Franklin observed that, throughout the year, state and national polls have consistently shown that “around 55‑60 percent have said tariffs hurt the economy,” while only about a quarter view them as helpful.
Supreme Court Performance Remains Low
Despite the agreement on the tariff ruling, overall confidence in the Supreme Court remains tepid. Fifty‑seven percent of respondents said they disapprove of the way the justices are performing their jobs, marking the first time in Marquette’s polling history that disapproval has surpassed approval since May of last year, when 53 percent approved. Franklin noted that Marquette’s Supreme Court poll has “never found more than 54 percent approval for the court in any of its more than two dozen surveys since 2021,” indicating a persistent deficit in public trust.
America’s Role in Global Stability Questioned
For the first time, the survey asked respondents whether they view the United States as a force for global stability or instability. Sixty percent answered that the country is a source of instability, a finding Franklin described as “really stunning.” He added, “Without having data on the past, I would say I think this is a really stunning view of America by Americans that we’re not really doing the role that we played throughout the post‑World War II era of forging alliances, working with our allies on all kinds of things.” The lack of historical comparison prevents trend analysis, but the result signals a notable shift in self‑perception among the populace.
Implications for Policymakers and Industry
The convergence of skepticism toward data centers, AI, and the nation’s global role presents challenges for policymakers and tech industry leaders. If a majority believes that data‑center costs outweigh benefits, any future projects will need to demonstrate tangible local advantages—such as job creation, renewable‑energy partnerships, or community investment—to gain public approval. Likewise, addressing AI concerns through transparent governance, bias mitigation, and clear socioeconomic benefits may be essential to shift the 70 percent negative perception.
Broader Political Context
The poll’s bipartisan nature on technology issues contrasts with the usual partisan divides seen in many policy areas. Franklin’s observation that “there’s pretty much bipartisan skepticism, both here in Wisconsin and nationally” highlights an unusual convergence that could foster cross‑aisle legislative action—provided lawmakers are willing to listen to constituents wary of unchecked technological expansion. At the same time, the enduring low approval of the Supreme Court suggests that judicial legitimacy remains a separate, ongoing concern that could affect how courts rule on technology‑related cases in the future.
Conclusion
Marquette University Law School’s latest national survey reveals a pervasive, cross‑democratic doubt about the value of data centers and artificial intelligence, underscored by real‑world project cancellations in Wisconsin. While Americans largely agree that recent Supreme Court rulings limiting Trump-era tariffs were correct, confidence in the Court’s overall performance remains low. Moreover, a majority now sees the United States as a source of global instability—a sentiment that, lacking historical data, marks a potentially significant shift in national self‑image. These insights should inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civic leaders as they navigate the intersection of technology, economic development, and public trust in an increasingly polarized yet oddly unified environment.
Latest Marquette polls find deep skepticism of data centers, artificial intelligence