Feds Target AI Critics as "Foreign Agents"

The Trump administration is targeting critics and protesters opposing AI data centers as potential "foreign agents," claiming their concerns are part of a Chinese-orchestrated conspiracy. President Trump and the Justice Department have threatened criminal prosecution against those furthering "goals of a foreign power," while portraying AI skepticism as treasonous activity, despite widespread public anxiety about AI being genuine and independent concerns. Congressional Republicans like Senator Tom Cotton have similarly promoted investigations into alleged Chinese influence behind opposition to AI infrastructure development.