AI Backlash: 75% Distrust Anthropic CEO Amid Tech Sector Concerns

On July 18, 2026, protests against AI data center expansion occurred in New Port Richey, Florida. More than half of Americans report feeling more concerned than excited about AI, rising from 37% in 2021, according to a Pew Research Center report. CNBC's Generation Lab survey shows over 75% of 18- to 34-year-olds distrust Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. Both Anthropic and OpenAI are valued at nearly $1 trillion and are preparing for historic IPOs, which may be affected by this public sentiment. The distrust in tech executives could challenge these companies as they approach their offerings.