A new NBC News survey suggests artificial intelligence is viewed negatively by a large share of Americans.
The poll, conducted by Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies, surveyed 1,000 registered voters between February 27th and March 3rd, 2026.
Respondents were asked about their views on several institutions and issues, including AI.
The results show that AI currently carries a net negative public image.
According to the survey, only 26% of voters report a positive view of AI, while 46% hold a negative view. About 27% are neutral, and 1% are unsure.
That gives AI a net favorability rating of –20 when comparing positive and negative responses.
Meanwhile, 38% hold a positive view of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and 56% say they have a negative view of the agency. ICE has a net favorability rating of –20.
The findings place AI near the bottom of the poll’s “image” rankings, below several political figures and institutions.
The results come as businesses rapidly deploy AI tools across industries, often citing productivity gains and cost reductions.
Investor and entrepreneur Jason Calacanis says the American public is right not to trust AI.
“Large companies are laying off tens of thousands of knowledge workers WHILE putting up record profits. AND THEY’RE BEING HONEST ABOUT IT!
The social contract in America was always ‘if profits are growing, so are your bonuses and headcount.’ Today it’s reversed: ‘profits are SURGING because we’re lowering comp and cutting headcount.’”
Meanwhile, billionaire investor Chamath Palihapitiya says the data shows that all AI CEOs need to do better.
“The problem is the AI CEOs are collectively doing both a terrible job building trust and also seem to have their own ulterior motives and agendas that leak into the public every now and then and freak everyone out.”
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