<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) criticized artificial intelligence executives for the increasing backlash against the industry during an interview on September 7, 2026.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kennedy stated, “The people who have developed AI are very, very smart. But they’re high-IQ, stupid people,” while speaking with Kristen Welker of <em>Meet the Press</em>. He added, “You might let them tutor you, but you wouldn’t want them to date your sister. They’re terrible marketers.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He expressed concerns about how executives, including Sam Altman and Dario Amodei, have communicated the implications of AI technology, saying, “They started out by saying we have this wonderful technology and it’s going to cost everybody their job and it costs a lot of money for electricity and your bills might go up and it uses a lot of water, but trust us, you’ll love it.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kennedy suggested that AI and data centers could regain public support if certain changes are made. He disagreed with President Donald Trump’s view that communities opposing data center construction would be “backward and poor.” Trump has advocated for the U.S. to lead in AI development and has emphasized the importance of data centers.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Concerns regarding data center construction have gained attention, with several lawmakers, including Governors Josh Shapiro (D-PA) and Greg Abbott (R-TX), signing moratoriums on such developments.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kennedy outlined several recommendations for the industry: “First, they’re going to have to stop using so much water and go to a closed-loop system. Number two, they’re going to have to provide their own energy. Number three, they’re going to have to devise buildings that are slightly aesthetic; I mean, the buildings they build now look like a broken arm with a bone sticking out. Number four, they’re going to have to stop going into these states and demanding all these tax subsidies and demanding all the tax breaks; they’re all rich. Number five, they’re going to have to talk straight up to the American people about what AI means.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kennedy noted that the public generally believes AI can improve lives as long as it does not negatively impact employment or create existential threats. Polling indicates significant public distrust of the AI industry, which relies on substantial physical infrastructure.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He concluded, “They can get it back, but they got work to do.”</p>